Map Number (1- Commenter Organization Date Format Comment ... · The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving

Commenter Organization Date Format Comment CategoryMap Number (1-8, optional) Summary Comment #

Bryan Andrada 12/5/2013 EmailI am extremely excited to see the local FS integrate downhill specific trails in their new management plan New Trail Construction Downhill biking - General support 1

Warren WilliamsCoconino Trail Riders 11/16/2013 Phone

paraphrase: Supports consolidating sunset trailhead and restroom improvements Trailhead Improvements

Trailhead improvements - General Support 2

Travis 12/4/2013 Email

I believe it is important for singletrack and downhill specific trails to be established, for multiplereasons. First with downhill trails in place there would be no need to have illegally built downhill trails, so no more fighting with the forest service. this would also eliminate the conflict between hikers and bikers on the downhill trails. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 3

John Coe 12/2/2013 Email

I think it makes sense for the Forest Service to adopt several non-system trails, specifically Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger, to improve connectivity of existing and proposed trails. In addition, adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger would provide more recreational opportunities for varied skill levels of hikers, bikers, equestrian, etc. New Trail Construction Adopting social trails 4a



It would make sense to see a new trail that begins roughly from the current Schultz Creek/Rocky Ridge Trailhead and ascending the South face of the Dry Lake Hills in the area of the current trail Lost Burrito. A sustainable trail that switch backed up the South face and merged into the proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop would provide an additional route choice to the top of Dry Lake Hills which would relieve user volume from Schultz Creek, Little Gnarly, Rocky Ridge and Brookbank. This new trail would provide a different user experience compared to Shultz Creek and Brookbank in that it would be on the South facing slope which would allow shoulder season access before the snow melts on Schultz Creek and Brookbank. Additionally, this trail would be easily accessed from town. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 4b


It would make sense to relocate the Schultz Creek Trailhead down to the Y at Schultz Pass Rd and Elden Lookout Rd. This change would allow 4-season access to the highly used trails of Rocky Ridge and Schultz Creek. Trailhead Improvements

Relocated Schultz creek trailhead to the Y 4c


The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving Forces of Nature and the trails that connect from the pipeline east to Elden Lookout Trail as they are now. I propose adding the Class 4 trail below (south) of the existing trails in that area. It would make sense to locate the Class 4 trail in between the current trails such as Forces of Nature and the Pipeline. This would allow multiple user experiences in the same user corridor.

Trail Relocation and Improvement

Support of the class 4 trail improvements 4d



The proposed action of creating a Dry Lake Hills Loop is excellent. I propose ex panding it to tie together a route that allows users to circumnavigate most, if not all the Dry Lake Hills Basin. This expanded loop would tie together rerouted Brookbank Jedi, Little Gnarly, Upper Brookbank, Pickle, Ginger and the previously proposed trail that would ascend the South face of Dry Lake Hills and merge into the Dry Lake Hills Loop. This would provide extensive user options from the Dry Lake Hills area for all skill levels and a wide variety of users. Trail Relocation and

Improvement Support of dry lakes loop 4e


I propose rerouting the Heart Trail so that it is both sustainable and usable by all user groups. This reroute would provide the same benefit that Little Bear provided by linking the Dry lake Hills area to the Little Elden Springs Trail and Schultz Tank area. A sustainable Heart Trail would link the Christmas Tree/Sandy Seep/Fat Man's Loop area to the Dry Lake Hills area. This would provide the east Flagstaff area with more direct access to the Dry Lake Hills area which would relieve pressure from other access points and disperse user visits.

Trail Relocation and Improvement reroute of heart trail 4f


I support the reroute of Upper Oldham as it is currently not sustainable or user friendly for all user groups. The adoption of Red Onion and Wasabi would dovetail well with this reroute.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support relocating upper Oldham 4g

Robert Hamilton 12/2/2013 Email

Please accept this letter as an endorsement of Flagstaff Biking Org's proposals and recommendations for the Mt. Elden Dry Lake Hills trails additions and realignments. These proposals are forward thinking and represent a sustainable approach to planning the recreational use of the MEDL trail system. New Trail Construction Fully supports FBO's proposed plan 5


Jeremy Morse 12/2/2013

adding the downhill specific bike trails to the system is a great idea. not only will it provide a greatly needed addition to the trails, if built properly, it will provide a train ground for younger, newer riders to hone their skills. with a progressively build set of technical trails, all levels of riders will be able to excel at the sport much faster, resulting in more fun. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 6a

Jeremy Morse 12/2/2013 Email

realignment of the lower brook bank trail (as proposed by FBO) would be an excellent alternative for bikers to ride to the top of mt Elden, as opposed to riding the forest service road (which I believe happens as a result of having mostly horribly eroded, steeply built trails that are not conducive to mountain biking). most riders prefer to pedal up to earn their rides down, but when the trails that provide a routeup are only suitable for foot traffic (and barely in many cases such as lower brook bank, and upper Oldham), riders are forced onto the road. in my opinion, I don't even like to hike or run on lower brook bank. it is an erosional disaster.


FBO's plan for Lower brook bank trail 6b


upper elevation loops on the dry lakes, devils head, and mt Elden would make the experience richer for all users as any individual would have an opportunity to continue recreating for an extended time once reaching these areas, before beginning their descents. alternately, an individual that drives up and parks in these areas will also have an increased amount of trail opportunities to choose from, extending their time outdoors before returning to their vehicle. New Trail Construction Loop Trails on Dry Lakes 6c



as with bike specific trails, equestrians have a need for horse only trails as well. I fully support the idea of making loops for equestrians only on the northeast flanks of mt elden, or in any other areas deemed appropriate. New Trail Construction Support of equestrian trails 6d

jeremy morse 12/2/2013 Email

my list of trails to save, andrevitalize goes as follows:1. Wasabi2. Ginger3. Jedi4. Red onion5. Pickle6. Prom night New Trail Construction Social trails to keep 6e


the south elden trail looks like an excellent addition to the tail system, but i believe it should be a multi use trail, built in a fashion that provides for horses, bikers, as well as hikers to use it. i would also hope it provides yet another ascending route to the devils head/ mt elden stacked loops, & downhill bike loops. it would also make for many interesting loop opportunities in its own right with the existing trails, and proposed realignments! New Trail Construction Support South Elden Trail 6f

Jeremy morse 12/2/2013 Email

upper oldham reroute is drastically needed. i think this is one of our most appealing routes on the mountain, but the current alignment is horrible, and destroys all the potential enjoyment of the area it sits in. defining the flagstaff loop along the south side of mt elden is also highly needed. the social trails in the area have become so confusing,


Support for relocating Upper Oldham 6g


Jeremy morse 12/2/2013 Email

all of the trailhead improvements listed in the action seem very promising. a consolidated schultz pass, a new climbing specific TH on the lookout road, and increased parking at fatmans all seem needed. i would also like to see the "y" become the official schultz creek TH, and all of the existing social trails be purposefully built into a skills park/ dirt jumping area, 7 pumptrack instead of the rogue (unsafe) building that goes on there now. again, with a skills area being built in a progressive manner, it would provide an area for families to ride together, beginners to mingle with experts, and create a better bike community in general. this area could also have a fitness area similar to buffalo park. Trailhead Improvements

Support of Shultz Pass trailhead to the Y 6h


an alternate climbing and descending route to the dry lake hills from the schultz creek area would disperse the wear on the existing trails, while adding something new and interesting to the area. New Trail Construction new Trail ideas for dry lakes 6i

Andy Lane 12/1/2013 Email

I'd like to express my support for Flagstaff Biking Organization's position on the realignment and management of the Mt Elden/Dry Lake Hills trails. I especially think that the downhill trails in the area need to be adopted and improved. New Trail Construction

Support of new trails, specifically Flagstaff Biking Organization's Proposed Trails. 7

Melissa Nelson 12/2/2013 Email

I support the adoption and creation of trails as outlined by FBO. We need even more. There is an increasing need for great trails near town to access the mountains and i would love to see creation of additional high quality trails throughMEDL. New Trail Construction

support of new trails, specifically Flagstaff Biking Organization's Proposed Trails. 8

Mike O'Donnell 12/2/2013 EmailI would also like to suggest the addition of a winter trail head for the area. Trailhead Improvements Trailhead Improvement Ideas 9a


Mike O'Donnell 12/1/2013 EmailI an writing to support the proposed changes especially the realignment of brookbanK.


Support of trail relocation and improvements 9b

Scott Paulsel

SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS 12/1/2013 Email

I support the efforts and planning the Flagstaff Biking Organization is proposing. New Trail Construction Supports FBO's proposed plan 10

Erik Nelson 12/1/2013I support FBO's recommended addition of a trail between the Shultz creek trail head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. New Trail Construction Support of FBO's proposed plan. 11

Lars Romig

Verde Valley Cyclists Collalition 11/30/2013 Email

Creating trails that are use specific and labeled as such i.e. Downhill and Flow Trails. New Trail Construction

Specific downhill trails in support of FBO's proposed plan 12a

Lars Romig

Verde Valley Cyclists Collalition 11/30/2013 Email

Relocating the Schultz Creek Trail Head is a great idea. Enhancing this trailhead to be a “hub” would be ideal. Adding in very detailed kiosks educating users on trail etiquette alongside more defined parking/amenity facilities. Trailhead Improvements

Shultz Trailhead improvments- General Support 12b

Kyle 11/30/2013 Email

I also enjoy the downhill trails from time to time and wish to see these included. Pickle is another trail I would like to see added. more options to make loops.The Class 4 trail along the base of Mount Elden would be a great addition as well. New Trail Construction

Support of downhill and biking specific trails. 13

Rick and Betty Smith 11/30/2013 Email

I see several advantages to the proposed South EldenTrail. (1) It would be accessible by foot or bike to many local residents; (2) since it would face south it would be clear of snow for a much longer season; and (3) there's the opportunity to design and build a truly low maintenance trail. New Trail Construction Support of Mt. elden south Trail 14

Brendon Potts 11/30/2013 Email

I would very much like to see Ginger and Jedi trails become part of the network. Red Onion trail is also an important access point to trails above the dry lake hills,and without it many other trails would crop up to fill its place because of what a great link it is. New Trail Construction

Prosposed social trails to be included 15a


Brendon Potts 11/30/2013 Email

I would like to make sure that Lower Brookbank does not get rerouted to the west. I agree with FBO, and think it would be a real pity, and a blow to Flagstaff's trail system if Forces were converted to a FUTS style trail. Such a trai lwould a wonderful addition along the pipeline lower down Elden!


Not supportive of trail relocation and improvement ideas. 15b

John Sawasky 11/30/2013 Email

I also worry about increased truck traffic on Lookout Road due to shuttlers. It is already pretty busy with people rushing up and down the mountain in trucks. Wouldn't it make more sense to build DH only trails at Snowbowl?Ihope the intermediate trails will be kept or made as well. New Trail Construction

Not Supportive of new downhill trails 16a


I would hate to see some of the more challenging UPHILL trails taken away. I enjoy going up as muchas going downhill. I fear that the trails will either be super smooth, low grade, Ft. Valley style OR trails that are very steep, made for 5 inch to full on downhill bikes. hope the intermediate trails will be kept or made as well. New Trail Construction

Wants to maintain challenging uphill trails 16b


Also, what about investing this money/time into getting Little Bear back on line first? It is a hugely popular trailwith all user groups. I would hate to see it not be fixed first. Perhaps some bridges over the drainages?

Trail Relocation and Improvement fix up little bear trail 16c


I do not understand why Lower Brookbank would be closed if the new Lower Brookbank trail was made.It seems to me that the runners and hikers in town I know really use Lower Brookbank a lot, as it is the quickest, scenic route to Dry Lakes.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Keep Lower Brookbank Trail 16d

Robert Collis 11/30/2013 Email

Red Onion is a great connection to Sun Set, and could be great if the upper part was built correctly. The Flagstaff Loop Trail could be amazing, but it shouldn't trace the pipe-line road New Trail Construction Support of FBO's proposed new trai 17a

Robert Collis 11/30/2013 Email

The Flagstaff Loop Trail could be amazing, but it shouldn't trace the pipe-line road, a path that takes no consideration of natural terrain and contours of elevation. A real trail built for motorized traffic would be better for all users.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 17b

Robert Collis 11/30/2013 EmailFBO's proposals for re-alignments would make trails safer and more enjoyable for all users. Other support for FBO's proposed plan 17c

Robert Collis 11/30/2013 EmailConsolidating parking forMt. Elden users at "The Y" would make sense. Trailhead Improvements

Support of FBO's proposed plan for a "Y" trailhead 17d


Linden Lane 11/30/2013 Email

Red Onion helps to create many possible loops on the mountain withouthaving to ride to the very top of Elden Lookout Road; and Jedi and Ginger trails offer a unique style of riding-aggressive, technical cross country. Loops. I believe there are many system trails in the area that need re-routing and extensive maintenance(especially the Hobbit Forest section of Sunset trail and Lower Brookbank). New Trail Construction support of including social trails 18a

Linden Lane 11/30/2013 EmailI would like to support the opportunity for permitted trail races (both bike and foot). Special-Use Trail Events support of special events use 18b

Linden Lane 11/30/2013 EmailI support the adoption and creation of a downhill trail system in Oldham Canyon. New Trail Construction downhill trail in oldham canyon 18c


Speaking of trailheads, I absolutely support the creation of "real" trailheads at the "Y" and at theclimbing area near Rocky Ridge. Bathrooms, signage, and sufficient parking would be a great addition toour recreational facilities. Trailhead Improvements

schults creek trailhead moved to the Y 18d


The signs for the AZ trail are confusing (since there is AZT A, B, etc) and some common loop connectors like Little Gnarly have no signs at all. Also, a few additional kiosks with system maps would be great. Trailhead Improvements support of increased trail signage 18e

John Neff 11/29/2013 Email

Revival of the Deer Hill Trail doesn't seem to be in this mix. It might not be as hard as keeping the Elden Springs line passable. It may be that a designed set of horse trails below the horse camp will lure that user group to resume riding from Timberline residences, thereby reviving the connectors official and social that we used to use.


Not supportive of the Deer Hill Trail Revival 19a


Since the burn, we of the east side are diverted to the north or south for dog walks and so forth. In renewing our acquaintance with the Sandy Seep we agree that a new alignment on contour, away from the retired jeep track, would be lovely.


support for realignment of sandy sheep 19b


I like the idea of creating a loop trail from Mt Elden lookout off the southwest side. There are ways for hikers to loop, but a more obvious connection is good. New Trail Construction support of south elden trail 19c

David Topping 11/29/2013 Email

Except in cases where social trails achieve a multi-use goal that is currently lacking in the existing Forest Service trail network, all social trails should be closed and not incorporated into the trail network.

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning

decomision social trails instead of including them in the plan 20a



The new South Elden Trail is not necessarily a good idea. Unlike the Elden Lookout Trail, which climbs a forested gully, the planned alignment of the Elden Lookout Trail takes it across up a sparsely vegetated gully and then across a bedrock nose. Building this trail will require a lot of rock cutting and work. I see no way that this new trail will not be an eyesore on the south face of Mount Elden and not cause erosion problems near the Devil’s Chair. New Trail Construction Agaisnt south elden trail 20b


A better use of funds in this project would be to upgrade the existing trailheads and actuallymaintain the existing multi-use trails. Other better use of funds 20c


I also do not see the need for the two new loops on the tops of the Dry Lake Hills and Mount Elden. These loops will bring people into areas that are currently not highly visited and used by wildlife. The south Dry Lake is currently a quiet place to watch wildlife as is TurkeyPark. Adding more people to these areas will degrade this experience. New Trail Construction Agaisnt dry lakes loop 20d


The trailhead consolidation/movements planned make no sense for hikers. The Sunset and Schultz Pass trailhead parking areas serve different purposes. The Sunset trailhead makes no sense as the starting point for hiking the Weatherford Trail, just as the Sunset trailhead makes no sense as the starting point for the Schultz Loop Trail. Closing the Little Elden Springparking area will negatively impact hikers and climbers. The current location of this parking area serves an important purpose for accessing the Arizona Trail (Little Elden) and Little Bear Trails for hiking. It might be ok to add miles to a bike trip or horseback trip, but not to hike. This parking area also serves as an access point to climbing on the Elysian Buttress.Moving the Brookbank trailhead will make no sense if the trail is merely upgraded in its current location. Trailhead Improvements Against consolodating trailheads 20e


No new trails should be built that are not multi-use, meaning that they will be a positive experience for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Forest Service should not be building or sanctioning trails for a single-use activity, such as downhill biking New Trail Construction

not supportive of downhill/single use trails 20f


The current location of the Brookbank trail maybe difficult for bikers, but it is a great alignment for hikers. It serves as the quickest route to the top of the Dry Lake Hills. If the problem with this trail alignment is erosion, why then is the plan to relocate it to the next drainage to the south that will have its own erosionproblems?


increase the maintenance on brookbank trail instead of realign it 20g


James Gibson 11/27/2013 Email

I don't want existing trails eliminated! Many of the existing trails (i.e., Red Onion, Jedi, Ginger) exist because of a need. I would like to see existing trails modified or re-routed, but NOT destroyed or eliminated. I would love to see FUTS added along the base of Elden to Schultz Pass, but would like to have it aligned so that it does NOTeliminate existing trails, i.e., Forces of Nature.I support downhill trails as part of the trail system. New Trail Construction Wants to keep all social trails 21a

James Gibson 11/27/2013 Email

I would like to see Hart Trail re-aligned so that it is useful, and part of the trail system. It would be an invaluable addition to the trail system, providing many options for loops that would include it.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Re-align hart-trail 21b

Patrick Kell

International Mountain Bicycling Association 11/27/2013 Email

We support the reclassification of the Flagstaff Loop Trail to Class 4, which will serve a vital and often underserved segment of the mountain bike population, beginners.


General Support of Flagstaff loop Trail 22a

Patrick Kell

International Mountain Bicycling Association 11/27/2013 Email

We are also very pleased to see the addition of 3.5 miles of downhill specific mountain bike trail in the proposed action. New Trail Construction General support of downhill trails 22b

Wayne Anderson 11/27/2013 Email

Map 7 shows he Forces of Nature Trial at the foot of South Mount Elden. Please keep the single track available for mountain biking and improve much of the pipeline for a FUTS type trails. This will keep bikers and hikers more separated. Secondly the idea of a nice big wide trail for baby strollers etc. is very exciting. Please do not replace single track with this Walking Trail. New Trail Construction Keep forces of nature trail 22a


I really like the ideas of…o Access for Climbers (Map 4)o Hang Gliders (Overview)o More Hiking Trials (such as the trail going up the south side of Eldengoing toward Devils head).o Downhill mountain bikers trails.o More loops up on top of the Dry Lakes Other General support 22b


Map 3 shows a reroute of Brookbank over what I think is called Ginger. After hiking this area, I think a reroute ofBrook Bank would work better in the existing Brook Bank corridor. Simple rerouting the trial to incorporate better building strategies

Trail Relocation and Improvement Reroute of brookbank 22c


Not sure if it is part of the plan, but I would like to see an improved trail up in to the Buffalo Park from Lower Oldham. Currently that is a rocky mess

Trail Relocation and Improvement Trail improvement idea 22d

Neil Weintraub 12/1/2013 Emailrelocate Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Trailhead Improvements Relation of shultz trailhead 23a


Neil Weintraub 12/1/2013 Email

align the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area. move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed realignment to the east. The FBO alignment would make for a much better trail.


Allignment of Flagstaff Loop Trail and lower brookbank 23b


add upper Red Onion trail into the system to provide additional trail opportunities. Add Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. New Trail Construction Proposed socials trails to be added 23c


add a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stackedloops”concept in the Dry Lake Hills New Trail Construction Proposed new trail 23d


Add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system New Trail Construction Proposed new trail 23e

Joseph E Hazel Jr 11/30/2013 EmailThere needs to be an established, four season trailhead at the Schultz Y with a pit toilet and trash cans. Trailhead Improvements Shultz Trailhead 24a

Joseph E Hazel Jr 11/30/2013 Email

I suggest the lower Brookbank reroute follow the original routing proposed by Flagstaff BikingOrganization and the non-system trail Ginger be improved/rerouted and brought into the currentsystem. Routing Brookbank up the steep canyon that Ginger is in will be problematic and require numerous, steep switchbacks. The original routing was more on contour. This should not be a “kill two birds with one stone” approach.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Lower Brookband Trail 24b


My main criticism of the proposal is that it results in a net reduction of downhill trails and I suggest Ginger be added back in. I also noticed Jedi was not included and I recommend this trail be incorporated into the plan as it offers a riding experience not provided by the only other trail in the area, Little Gnarly. There is substantial hiker traffic on Little Gnarly and Jedi helps disperse the use.A southside or frontside trail that begins on the west side of the proposed Dry Lake Hills perimeter trail loop and descends to near the bottom of Schultz Creek trail will help disperse the use on what is perhaps the most utilized trail in the entire system. I believe the most user-conflicts and congestion occur on Schultz Creek trail. This proprosed alternative will also replace Lost Burrito which is a very popular hiking trail and will also maximize the “stacked-loops” concept being proposed for the the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction

Does not want a loss of downhill trails 24c



Red Onion is a valuable connector that allows user-access from the Elden side of Dry Lake Hills withouthaving to climb all the way to the top of Elden. I believe this trail should be included in the plan and aconnector routed from the bottom to join the proposed Upper Oldham reroute. New Trail Construction Support of Red Onion Trail 24d

Shawn Skalebund 11/30/2013 Email

I support relocating the Schultz Creek Trail Head to the "Schultz Y" City Parcel and to help protect this property as open space and a trail head! Trailhead Improvements

Support of relocating Schultz trailhead 25a


I support the recommended aligning of the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden as long as the current Mt. Elden trail will still be used.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff Loop Trail 25b


Red Onion trail should be considered as an important permanent and official FS trail, because it is important to have a connector from/to Mt. Elden road as an alternative to Sunset and Little Bear for those who need a place to "bail out" because of fatigue or for emergence situations. New Trail Construction Support of Red Onion Trail 25c


I support FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 25d


There should be more opportunities for downhill trails, even though I am not a "downhill" rider, provided they are well-managed for this use, which will help minimize user conflicts, and thus allowing the construction of sustainable trails that can be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts. New Trail Construction more downhill trails 25e


I support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. Please continue to maintain the current Brookbank Trail for us who like a tough, technical challenging ride.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Lower Brookband Trail Alignment 25f


I support FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction Proposed new trail 25g


Please support to build the Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available onthe system. New Trail Construction support of Ginger and Jedi 25h


I support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with way-finding in this area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements General Support 25i



I support adding the ability for the Forest Service to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and user experience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action!!! I support all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action! New Trail Construction General Support- new trails 25j

Shawn Skalebund 11/30/2013 EmailI support enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events General Support Special Events 25k

Karen Mattingly 11/302013 EmailThis project seems to be slanted toward the needs of cyclists and the needs of hikers seem to be underrepresented. 26a

Karen Mattingly 11/302013 Email

Keep both trailheads.Consolidating these two into just the Sunset trailhead will increase the distance to hike the already long Weatherford trail. The current Sunset trailhead is in a nice location that would be negatively impacted by enlarging it. The redundancy of maintenance shouldn’t really be significant since there doesn’t seem to be much at the Sunset trailhead and travel time for this maintenance would be negligible. Does it make sense to remove the facilities that already exist at the Schultz Tank parking area, only to have to rebuild them at the Sunset trailhead? Separating out the users is a good way to keep the experiences of all more enjoyable and I think having both parking areas is a good thing Trailhead Improvements Do not combine Sxhultz Trailheads 26b


Build a new trailhead and keep the Little Elden trailhead.I can support the proposed equestrian trailhead out at Hwy 89, BUT decommissioning the Little Elden Spring trailhead would adversely affect hiker’s access to the Little Bear trail. Please leave this parking area accessible to hikers. Trailhead Improvements Keep Little elden trailhead 26c


Do not decommission the current Brookbank trail and build another, longer trail. Improvements to this trail could be done instead of relocating it. Impacts to wildlife must be minimal or non-existent as this trail has been there and been used for a long, long time. Wildlife impacts would be far greater if a new, longer trail is built. This new trail would impact areas that see few people now. The difference in length between the current and proposed trails is significant and convenient, relatively quick access that is important to many hikers would be lost. Connectivity of the trailheads from Elden Lookout Road seems very reasonable as it is now.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Keep current brookbank trail 26d


PLEASE, PLEASE do not construct the Dry Lake Hills Loops. This area is very special and is deserving of keeping in its current, pristine state. Preservation just for the wildlife alone is reason enough. It is a far less visited area that is cherished by many hikers who must know how to get there to make a visit. This is a perfect example of an area to leave alone. New Trail Construction Agaisnt Dry lakes loop 26e



I have also used the Upper Oldham trail extensively for many, many years and have always appreciated it as another fairly quick trail to the top. It appears thelower portion is proposed to be used for gravity riding trails so the erosion concerns don’t seem to be valid. A longer, rerouted trail does not appeal to me if there is not a better reason to do it and rerouting it so that the gravity riders can have their trails would not get my support

Trail Relocation and Improvement Upper Oldham Trail 26f


Proposed West Elden Trailhead and Climbing Area Access: Since human waste is currently an issue constructing a restroom sounds like a good idea and it could be useful for others in the area. Since I don’t use the climbing area I can’t comment on the need for a trail, but I would have concerns about the size of the parking area if it involves cutting a significant amount of trees. Trailhead Improvements

Support of West Elden Climbing Access 26g


These downhill trails don’t belong in the MEDL area.There must be far more appropriate places for these types of trails to be built. I don’t know much about gravity riding, but it seems to be dangerous anddestructive. Let’s find another place to accommodated them and increase enforcement so that illegal trials do not continue to be built. New Trail Construction Agaisnt downhill trails 26h


I am not necessarily against the hang glider launch pad, but I haven’t seen a hang glider coming off of Elden in a very long time. How popular is this sport these days? Has the anticipated use been studied? Is it really needed? My biggest concerns would be the cutting of trees to accommodate this use. . Hang Glider Launch Site

Uncertain on Hang Glider Launch Site 26i


The new trail on the south face of Elden had me excited at first, but the reality is that I would likely use it very infrequently. That part of Elden has always been a bit of a mystery to me and I like that. I think this is another area that is best left alone. I suspect that wildlife disruption would also occur here with the amount of trail needed to get to the top. There are plenty of other trails heading up Elden that can be connections with each other. From a practical standpoint, it seemsconstruction costs would be very high for this one in particular due to the rocky terrain. I suspect use would be light on this trail due to exposure, length and thedistance needed just to get to the trailhead. New Trail Construction Against south elden trail 26j


I have no objection to the realignment of the Lower Oldham and Flagstaff Loop trail improvement.These improvements could be beneficial to these highly used areas.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of trail improvments 26k



The proposed Scenic Loop trail appears to provide access to the downhill trails and hang glider launch pad. It may be misleading to invite hikers to use this trail if they may be over run by bikes. Increased use of Elden Lookout Road is of concern due to dust, maintenance and increased vehicle traffic impacting other users. New Trail Construction Concern over scenic loop trail 26l

Karen Mattingly 11/302013 EmailMount Elden Environmental Study Area: I support these improvements in this highly used area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements

General support Environemtnal study area 26m


I support increasing the trailhead parking, but not toward Elden. Expanding toward the highway would be acceptable and could it be expanded from the sides also? Removing trees should be a last resort. How about restrooms? Trailhead Improvements

Support of Elden parking improvments 26n

Karen Mattingly 11/30/2013 Email

This project seems to be slanted toward the needs of cyclists and the needs of hikers seem to be underrepresented. While I understand that the USFS needs to consider all types of users, this project seems to be sacrificing the MEDL area to meet too many of those needs and it has a Disneyland feel to it. The MEDL area has plenty of trails without building more and I believe funds could be better spent improving existing trails, trailheads, signage and parking areas. This abundance oftrails already disburses users and provides many options. Unauthorized trail building is a very real problem and I strongly feel this needs to be addressed as an enforcement issue. I don’t believe more of the MEDL area needs to be developed.This plan will bring more people to parts of the area that now see little to no use.Wildlife and resource impacts should be lessened, not increased. We need to protect these areas by leaving them alone and not increasing widespread use. Other Generaly agaisnt MEDL 26o

Karen Mattingly 11/30/2013 Email

I became aware of the MEDL rather late in the game and feel that enough public notification was not given considering the large scope of the project and that thisarea is used by so many people of differing interests. Other

Not enough pulic notice and too sort a comment period 26p

Stephanie McCarthy 11/30/2013 Email

Recommend relocating Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Ask for the US Forest Service to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City ofFlagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements Move schults trailhead to the "Y" 27a


Recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area.


Propsoed flagstaff loop trail allignment 27b



Recommend adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Explain the importance of the connectivity of this trail to the system. Recommend adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise notavailable on the system. New Trail Construction Support of including social trails 27c


Support FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the“stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 27d

Stephanie McCarthy Email

Recommend maximizing opportunities for downhill trails. Even if you are not a “downhiller”, providing well-managed opportunities for this use helps to minimize user conflicts, allows the construction of sustainable trails thatcan be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and is instrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 27e


Support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. We have hiked this area extensively and our alignment would make for a much better trail.


Support of FBO's proposed placement of lower brookbank 27f


Support FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 27g


Support all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action! There is some great stuff in this proposal. Even though some of the trails will be focused on other uses, they will still be open to bicycles and willhelp disperse use and provide some great opportunities for our friends who hike, trail run and ride horses. New Trail Construction

General support of new trail construction 27h


Support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with wayfinding in this area


General support of environmental study area 27i


Support adding the ability for the Forest Service to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and user-experience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action.


General support of trail relocation and improvement 27j

Stephanie McCarthy 11/30/2013 EmailSupport enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events

General support of special use events 27k


Tom Bida 11/30/2013 Email

Any new trail development should avoid impacting wildlife habitat and migration, and unique ecosystems, to the highest degree possible. Also, new trail development in steep, erosive terrain should be avoided. Consolidation of parking areas is a good idea. New Trail Construction

General support of new trail construction 28a


Brookbank trail closure: Reasons for closure of the existing Brookbank trail don’t seem clear. This trail follows a well established route and remediation will take a long time, especially since use of the trail corridor will inevitably continue.

Trail Relocation and Improvement against closing brookbank trail 28b


Brookbank reroute: The new route goes into steep terrain that will be highly impacted by the new trail. Also, is the new Dry Lake hills loop really necessary? The existing trailfrom the top of Brookbank to the overlook above this gulch already serves the primary purpose of providing access to that expansive view, and could be simply improved. The other routes on the top of Dry Lake hills could also be similarly improved without building new connecting trails in undeveloped terrain (i.e. around the S and SE loops).

Trail Relocation and Improvement Agaisnt Dry lakes loop 28c


Might a better option for downhill bike riding in the region be implemented at Arizona Snowbowl, an area already heavily impacted and cleared? In fact the new network looks like a set of downhill ski trails. We have also noted that the Arizona trail segment descending from Snowbowl has become deeply rutted due to downhill bike use. It seems likely that the Brookbank reroute could suffer from similar abuse. New Trail Construction Agaisnt downhill trails 28d


FBO proposal for Shultz-Dry Lakes connecting trail: Again, this proposed trail by FBOwould traverse currently undeveloped terrain and is not endorsed here. We observed a brown bear this summer descending from these slopes into Shultz Creek, where the bear turned around before reaching the new Shultz creek trail on the slopes; it seemed the bear was deterred by the trail itself. Another trail above this area could be very disturbing to wildlife. New Trail Construction

against FBO Schultz-dry lakes connecting trail 28e


Betsy and Steve McKellar

Plateau Group of the Sierra Club 11/30/2013 Email

• Based on comments we have received from our members and talks with your staff the SOPA schedule of this project is way too ambitious. As you know there are two other planning efforts going on concurrently with the Recreation Plan – revising the Forest Plan; and the Watershed Protection Project. These three planning projects together will dramatically effect the management of the Mt. Elden/Dry Lakes area and we feel it is important that they not be done independent of each other. Obviously the Watershed Protection Project is a priority, is on a fast track, and will be completed first. But in implementing this project it should be done in a manner that will compliment and supplement the goals of the Recreation Plan. Since the Forest Plan is being revised during the same time frame as the Recreation Plan, there is confusion as to which Forest Plan (the current or the revised) will be driving the direction of forest management as it applies to the Recreation Plan. We ask that you finalize the Recreation Plan following the finalization of the Forest Plan and the completion of the Watershed Protection Project. Other

Agaisnt MEDL due to timing with other projects 29a



• Your effort to provide a full range of a non-motorized recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) is too ambitious. Taking the mileage of all the trails added together, the use of existing roads and trail heads in providing access, combined with the wide range of recreation uses being contemplated within the context of increasing population pressures, we are very concerned that the area will be overwhelmed for quality experiences and that resource degradation will occur. New Trail Construction

Concern over too many trails in the project area 29b


Plateau Group of the Sierra Club Email

• Some of the specific recreation opportunities being contemplated possess a high potential for abuse, safety/accident concerns, and ecological degradation and quite frankly, are just inappropriate for a national forest. While the national forests accommodate multiple uses, it does not mean that they must accommodate every use. Foremost of concern is the promotion and accommodation of “Gravity Riding” recreation. This proposal by its nature, will undoubtedly have severe ecological impacts and user conflicts. It also is an activity that is shuttle dependent which goes against the goal of non-motorized recreation use of the area New Trail Construction

Concern of environmental abuse to specific activites 29c



Another concern is the hang-gliding accommodation. This activity may be acceptable, but the planning and implementation should contain ample opportunity for public input targeting its specifics. We would like you to break this use out of the general recreation plan and address it as a separate issue, although on a concurrent basis. Hang Glider Launch Site against hang glicer laugh site 29d




the Dry Lakes and Turkey Park areas will provide access for illegal “down-hilling” and meadow degradation; the South Face Mt. Elden trail, with its sweeping switchbacks, encourages bicyclists building up speed in their downward traverse; and the Shultz Creek Trail, with its proximity to the ecologically important Shultz Creek, should be considered for relocation. New Trail Construction conern over illegal downhill use 29e



An analysis of the placement of gates should include one east of the proposed West Elden Trail Head climbing area parking lot. It would be open only for service vehicles and permitted activities. This upper gate would eliminate the need for the proposed Elden Scenic trailhead. Other gates to consider is one near where the Fort Valley trail intersects Schultz Pass road; and one near the trailhead(s) at Schultz Tank and Sunset trail. The purpose of these gates is to manage the vehicular traffic on Schulz Pass road so as to protect Schultz Creek. An analysis of trailheads should include closing and rehabilitating the Schultz Creek and “Y” trailheads in cooperation with the City of Flagstaff. Another trailhead to consider would be the placement of one near where the Fort Valley trail intersects Schultz Tank road. Also, the proposed equestrian trailhead at Hwy. 89 should be further evaluated as to its need and associated expense. Trailhead Improvements proposed trailhead and gate ideas 29f



• A concern of new trails and trailheads is their impact on wildlife. This is an issue of concern and we are assuming that the Forest Service will have a comprehensive analysis of impacts and also make every effort that wildlife is not harmed. New Trail Construction

conern over wildlife impact from new trails 29g



• We are greatly concerned that existing law enforcement will not be sufficient to deal with the accomplishment of the Plan’s goals and objectives. Law enforcement should be given considerable administrative weight, adequate financing, and be an integral part of the recreation plan. Other

not enough Law enforcment to monitor the area 29h



We ask for the establishment of a panel of concerned citizens to continually assess recreational needs, user conflicts and environmental impacts of the Study Area. This panel will assist recreation planners in assuring that Trail Management Objectives (TMO), as well as Forest Plan Goals and Objectives, are being monitored and met. Other Increase monitoring of the area 29i



• The Recreation Plan did not address management objectives or strategies concerning the overabundance of user created trails in the area at the end of Fourth Street and how the area will be rehabilitated. New Trail Construction

Not enough focos on the user created trails 29j


Merrill Birdno 11/29/2013 Email

I would advocate for the inclusion of more of the user-built social trails, including Upper Red Onion, Ginger, and Jedi, as recommended by the FBO. In addition to these, I would like to see the Wasabi, Lower Red Onion, and Private Reserve Trails included in essentially the same condition as they now exist. The user-built trails are, for the most part, well-constructed and built to resist erosion, as attested by their longevity through even a severe monsoon season like our most reason summer.Additionally, they are built with features that are specifically aimed at meeting the needs of advanced riders. There are more user-built downhill trails (in number) than there are proposed downhill forest-service built trails. I think this fact indicates that there is a bigger need for these types of trails than what is included in the proposal. New Trail Construction

Proposed inclusion of social trails for downhill use 30a


In addition to including more of the user-built trails in the plan, I would ask that the Forest Service keep the features that make these trails unique and desirable to advanced riders. For example, the Jedi trail includes a dozen or more "log rolls" (there may be a more accurate term). These are locations on the trail where a large log is laying perpendicular to the trail and several smaller logs/branches are placed at the base of the larger log to provide a way to navigate your bike over the log.These are important and challenging features of these trails and should be maintained. The point to remember here is that the enjoyment of these trails is not just due to the absolute location of the trail, but more importantly due to thespecific challenging features that push your skills and provide opportunities for improvement. Please be aware that removal of these features is not considered trailimprovement or maintenance by those who currently use these trails because of their challenging nature. There are many easier options available (both in terms of other trails and even simply walking the bike over obstacles) for those who don't want to ride over/through these features.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Concern over trail improvement 30b


I would also ask that the Forest Service reconsider their decision to leave Little Gnarly off of the plan. This is an important connector to get from the Dry Lake Hills to the Schultz Creek Trail. New Trail Construction Include little gnarly trall 30c


I am concerned that the trail closures will take place first, followed by a long, slow building of new trails. This would put undue trail pressure and increase the risk of cyclist-cyclist and cyclist-hiker collisions. Please refrain from any trail closures until the new routes are completed and open. Other Concern over trail closures 30d


Rick Moore 11/29/2013 Email

If the Forest Service truly wants “a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue” (as stated in the scoping letter) it should extend the comment period for at least 60 days to ensure that all potential issues have been properly scoped. Other Need a longer scoping period 31a


: I understand that the determination of whether an Environmental Impact Statement is needed will be part of the Environmental Assessment process; however, I believe that the significance of this project rises to the level that it should trigger an EIS. Other MEDL should require and EIS 31b


If the Forest Service is truly committed to addressing “impacts to natural resources such as wildlife, watershed and soil conditions, recreational experience and vegetation” it should begin removing illegal trails now.and include, but are not limited to: • Jedi• View Point• Prom Night• Weenie Walk• Red Onion• Wassabi• Private Reserve• Pickle• Little Granary• Climb 3 Unauthorized Trail and Road

Decommissioning agasint social trails 31c


In the project purpose and need section, the Forest Service fails to mention the need for people to enjoy solitude and quiet. Some of areas of the MEDL area should not be developed, providing a space for people to relax and enjoy the area, especially the area around the westernmost wetland, where I have frequently seen wildlife. Other general concern with MEDL 31d


: As I understand, the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project will be ramping up during the next few years. I did not see a reference (except for the reference in the hang glider section) to that project in the Proposed Action. The Forest Service needs to provide the public with detailed information about how the two overlap and what the agency is planning regarding coordination between the two. Other

Cocern over the overlap with Flagstaff watershed protection 31e


.I object to trails being designated for a single type of user. However, if the Forest Service is going to restrict trail use, then it should include some trails in the Proposed Action that are restricted to hikers, so those of us who prefer walking in peace and quiet are not subject to bikes barreling down the trail with riders yelling to each other. New Trail Construction Hiking only trails 31f


My only concern is that building new trails continues to fragment the MEDHL area, which I believe could have an impact on the ecology of the area. For instance, every new trail is a vector for invasive plant species. Are horses on these trails required to be fed with weed-free feed? If not, the Forest Service should require it. New Trail Construction Concern over horse trails 31g



I’d prefer that Mt. Elden not be chopped up by more trails, but I must admit that I find the idea of a trail up the south side of the mountain interesting, primarily because it could make a good loop hike. If the Forest Service decides to construct this trail, I suggest that it meet the pipeline trail further east. If that is not done, it will take little time for an unauthorized trail to develop by people who do not want to walk an extra mile west when their goal is to go back to the Elden Lookout trailhead New Trail Construction Mt. Elden south face trail support 31h


West Elden Climbing Access Trail (map 4)I have no experience with the existing trails, but the impacts seem to be quite contained, so I think the idea of making the trails part of the official trail system is fine.

New Trail ConstructionSupport of West Elden Climbing Access 31i


The proposed scenic loop trail on top of Mt. Elden and accompanying parking lot have the potential to dramatically increase the amount of traffic driving up the lookout road, which will significantly affect air quality in the drainage. While I enthusiastically support the idea of providing good recreational experiences, I think that the Forest Service should be promoting the idea of parking at the base of Mt. Elden and the Dry Lakes to minimize vehicular impacts on hiking. New Trail Construction agaisnt the scenic loop trail 31j


Dry Lake Hills Trail System (map 3)I frequently see and hear wildlife at the seasonal wetland at the western end of Dry Lake Hills. I strongly encourage the Forest Service to drop the idea of a loop around the wetland. Currently, it is one of the quietest, most remote spots in the MEDL area, and it needs to remain that way. Wetlands on the south side of the San Francisco peaks are incredibly rare and the Forest Service needs to recognize their critical importance to wildlife. As climate change continues to affect the region, wetlands will become even more critical for any number of species.

New Trail Construction Agaisnt dry lakes loop trail 31k


General Trail Signage and Information:I support the idea of providing enough signs/information to help users negotiate the MEDL trail system. I encourage the Forest Service to keep them as small and unobtrusive as possible. Trail Relocation and

Improvement Support of increased signage 31l


Relocating existing authorized trails should only be done if it is not possible to address erosion and other resource concerns. I wonder how the Forest Service has the money to ralign and relocate trails when it apparently does not have the money to maintain the existing trails.


concern over reloacting existing trails 31m



The existing Brookbank Trail should not be relocated. Instead the Forest Service should install erosion control features. This trail is a short way to get to the top of the Dry Lake Hills. The proposed relocated trail is not only much longer, it also goes up a drainage, so why move it?

Trail Relocation and Improvement Agaisnt brookbank tail relocation 31n


As mentioned above, trails should only be relocated if upgrading existing trails is not possible, so I support keeping the Upper Oldham where it is. Map 3 shows the Upper Oldham being decommissioned, yet Map 5 shows the gravity rider trails using the lower end of the decommissioned alignment. The Forest Service expresses the need to get trails out of drainages to address wildlife and erosion concerns, yet it is allowing one of the most erosive activities (downhill riders hitting their brakes) in the bottom of a drainage. While it is true that there is significant erosion at the lower end of the Upper Oldham, I see no reason why water bars could not significantly diminish the erosion. I ask the Forest Service to explain why it can’t control erosion on this trail, but it apparently believes it can control erosion on gravity rider trails coming almost straight down the mountain.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Keep upper oldham where it is 31o

Rick Moore Email

Lower Oldham Relocation/Flagstaff Loop Trail Improvement (see map 6)I support this. It makes sense to provide an alternative bike route along the northern side of Flagstaff and this is in what is essentially an urban area. Trail Relocation and

ImprovementSupport of lower oldham relocation 31p

Rick Moore Email

Consolidate Schultz Tank and Sunset Trailheads (see map 1) I support keeping both of these trailheads. Closing the Schultz tank trailhead adds distance to the Weatherford hike and since it already exists (complete with a pit toilet), why spend the money to close and reclaim it? The Sunset trailhead is in a nice meadow, and expanding the parking lot substantially would mean that much of the meadow would be destroyed and intimacy lf the existing small parking lot would be lost. I believe that smaller parking lots are much more compatible with natural areas than large ones reminiscent of parking lots in the middle of cities.

Trailhead Improvements Agaisnt combining trailhead 31q

Rick Moore Email

Relocate Little Elden Trailhead (map 2)Decommissioning this parking lot makes absolutely no sense. If it is decommissioned, the nearest trailheads for hiking out and back on the Little Bear will almost double the length of the hike. It is also a great spot to park and picnic in the surrounding area which has some wonderful boulders.

Trailhead ImprovementsAgainst decomissioning little elden trailhead 31r



I support the idea of a parking lot by the climbing area as part of an effort to encourage people to park at the bottom of M. Elden and the Dry Lake Hills. Ideally, the Forest Service would close the Elden Lookout road except for administrative use to access the towers. However, if that does not happen, then I’m concerned that parking where the Upper Oldham intersects the lookout road will be removed. Hiking only the Upper Oldham is a favorite hike and adding a long section of trail right next to the Elden Lookout road (with the increased traffic driving to the new parking lot and loop trail on top) would both add distance and cause a negative impact on the overall experience Trailhead Improvements

Support of West Elden Climbing Access 31s


Elden Lookout Trailhead Expansion (map 8)I suggest that the parking lot not be expanded into the trees, but if necessary, be expanded parallel to the highway with adequate screening and landscaping so it is not quite so obvious to motorists.

Trailhead ImprovementsSuggestion on Elden lookout trailhead expansion 31t


Special Use Trail EventsI strongly support the need to mitigate the impacts of special events on natural and cultural resources, as well as conflicts with other users. In addition to the proposed mitigation efforts identified in the Proposed Action, the Forest Service should limit the size (number of participants) of the events, clearly explain those limitations in the EA, and analyze the potential impacts of the both the participants and the crowds that may attend them.

Special-Use Trail Events special use events 31u


The Proposed Action states in the Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning section that trails and roads that are “not being incorporated into the FS system and are located in sensitive resource areas” will be decommissioned. All trails and roads not being incorporated into the FS trail system should be decommissioned, so the “located in sensitive resource areas” phrase should be removed. Unauthorized Trail and Road

Decommissioning Trail and road decomissioning 31v


Hang Glider Launch Site: This is another activity that encourages people to drive to the top of Mt. Elden, which as stated elsewhere will affect air quality and the hiking experience in the drainage where the road is located. I don’t support any action that will encourage vehicular traffic to the top of the mountain. Hang Glider Launch Site against the hang glider launch site 31w

Colin Beach 11/29/2013 Email

Support for Relocating Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Ask for the US Forest Service to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements

supportive of relocating schultz creek trailhead 32a



Support forAligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Support of Flagstaff loop trail 32b


Adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Explain the importance of the connectivity of this trail to the system. Adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide anintermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on thesystem. New Trail Construction Support of including social trails 32c


I support FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 32d


Maximizing opportunities for downhill trails. Even if you are not a “downhiller”, providing well-managed opportunities for this use helps to minimize user conflicts, allows the construction of sustainable trails that can be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and isinstrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 32e


I support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. We have hiked this area extensively and our alignment would make for a much better trail.


Support of FBO's proposed placement of lower brookbank 32f


I support FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 32g

Colin Beach 11/29/2013 EmailI support all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action! There is some great stuff in this proposal. New Trail Construction

General support of new trail construction 32h


support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with way-finding in this area.


General support Environemtnal study area 32i


I support adding the ability for the Forest Service to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and user-experience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action.

Trail Relocation and Improvement general support of realigning trails 32j

Colin Beach 11/29/2013 EmailAnd I support enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events

General support of special use events 32k

Lynn Weller 11/28/2013 Email

. I am greatly concerned that the Proposed Action described in the Mt. Elden / Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Project will further decrease my local hiking experience. Other Generaly agaisnt MEDL 33a



Map 1 – Sunset/Shultz Trailhead (TH) ConsolidationThese trailheads serve two different purposes, and although nearby, would add mileage to hiking the Weatherford Trail if they were consolidated and the Shultz TH removed. Mileage matters for hikers and likely runners. The Shultz TH exists, has a reasonable amount of parking and has a restroom. Why remove this and start all over a quarter mile down the road? I don’t believe making the Sunset TH parking area the only TH will keep folks away from Shultz Tank and contributing to the sedimentation concerns there expressed in the Proposed Actions. I recommend leaving these trailheads as they are.

Trailhead Improvementsagainst schultz trailhead consolidation 33b


Map 2 – Equestrian Emphasis Area, Little Elden Trail Reroute If I understand this correctly, the Proposed Action wants to again limit my experience as a hiker and effectively lengthen the Little Elden Trail by removing nearby trailhead parking. The TH parking is adequate, why decommission and spend the time and money to build a new one? If the equestrian community has expresses a need for a new trailhead for their purposes, the additional parking near HWY 89 may be suitable, but removing what already exists along FR 556 is not necessary and its absence will be noticed. I often use the trailhead at Little Elden to visit the spring, to walk to the Little Bear trailhead (which lacks its own parking area) and to make a long walk over to Shultz Tank and back. Please do not remove this parking area and further diminish my hiking experience. Trail Relocation and

Improvement against little elden reroute 33c


The proposed realignment of the Brookbank trail not only utilizes parts of an unauthorized trail, it also runs up a drainage which doesn’t make sense for sustainability. Most importantly, by decommissioning the current trail and building one that is much longer, a short, easy route to the DLH no longer exists for hikers. This is a popular trail for a reason – sometimes people just want to get to the tank to see if there is water in it, take a short hike or introduce visiting friends to a beautiful area that is a relatively manageable hike for those not use to the elevation. The new trail alignment takes this all away.

Trail Relocation and Improvement against brookbank relocation 33d



Why realign the Upper Oldham trail only to have the downhill bike trails (shown in Map 5) use the lower portion of the Upper Oldham? A FS employee told me the problem with the Upper Oldham trail was damage due to erosion, but the lower end has its share of erosion which will only be accentuated by the gravity riders. I also wonder why the south section of Oldham Park at the top of the trail needs to have a section of trail running through it. It is true the current section of trail on the north side of the park is deeply rutted, but fixing this and maintaining it should be the goal, not impact to a new area. I am also concerned the parking area for Upper Oldham will disappear since the intent is to build a bigger parking area down the road. I hope this is not the case as a quick hike up the Upper Oldham trail is a favorite and adding to its length by moving the parking area would detract from the experience.


Against realigning upper oldham trail 33e


I am very concerned about the proposed DLH loop. This is an area that sees less traffic than others and offers the solitude many hikers seek out when they utilize the area. I look forward to the frogs, ducks and other wildlife that occupy this wetland area after a wet winter and worry their environment will be impacted by the additional crowds this location would get with a loop trail. Please, leave this area alone. New Trail Construction Against Dry lakes hill loop 33f


Map 4 – West Elden TH, Climbing Area AccessIt’s difficult to tell from the map, but my main concern is the number of trees that may be removed to accommodate this new parking area. I agree the area gets some use and could use a restroom facility, particularly if human waste has been an issue, but the size of the parking area seems unnecessarily large for the number of vehicles I regularly see parked there. Providing climbers with officially maintained trails to ascend/descend the upper parts of the climbing area is a good idea and would minimize the impact the area is no doubt seeing. I suspect what is really behind enlarging this area is the proposed realignment of the Brookbank Trail which I do not support at all, so in light of the current use at this particular location, improvements to a smaller parking area would suffice.

Trailhead Improvements Against West elden trailhead 33g



. The FS needs to consider how much additional traffic downhill bike trails will bring to this relatively quiet area. There is already a high volume of gravity riders being shuttled to the top of Elden Lookout Road who use unauthorized trails as well as Upper Oldham Trail (making for a dangerous hiking experience) for their thrill rides, impacting slopes, wildlife and hikers. Why condone this activity by giving this group free reign of the north side of Mt. Elden? Mt. Elden is no place for this sort of activity. Ski areas in other mountain towns offer services to gravity riders, perhaps Snowbowl would be interested in profiting off of this intrusive activity. New Trail Construction against downhill trails 33h


I think the new trail on the south face of Mt. Elden is not likely to receive as much use as the proposal suggests. This is a long trail that would be enjoyable during a small window of time due to its south facing nature. FS employees are suggesting bikers would not likely utilize this trail if built, but I find this extremely doubtful as I have walked some of the more extreme unauthorized downhill bike trails whose steepness is no match for this proposed trail. If this trail were built, it should be designated hiking only. This only seems fair as the FS is providing the biking community with biking only trails. Honestly, if this trail were built I would probably walk it at least once, but not likely more than that – it’s on the hottest side of the mountain New Trail Construction agaisnt south face elden trail 33i


I’m not sure I understand the need to “harden” the surface near the base of Mt. Elden along the Flagstaff Loop Trail and Lower Oldham Trail. The Loop Trail was an effort coordinated by the Flagstaff Biking Organization and this Proposed Action to harden and smooth this portion of the Loop Trail will turn this area into a biking highway. It is hard to not look at this proposal and not see how FBO/biking community input is not being favored over that of other groups.

Trail Relocation and Improvement against Flagstaff loop trail 33j


Map 7 – Mt. Elden ESAI leave nearby this area and use it frequently and often wonder about the historical aspect of the area. Sites of interest could use improved signage and new signs increasing visitor knowledge of the area is a good idea. I don’t have any major objections to this Proposed Action.

Trailhead Improvements Support of increased signage 33k



Mt. Elden TH Enlargement. I recommend the FS expand first in the direction of Hwy 89 and evaluate if that sufficiently satisfies the need for more parking before expanding to the west and removing trees for more parking. In fact, if more space were needed after expanding into the area closer to Hwy 89, I would recommend moving into the area south of this if necessary before removing trees to the west to accommodate. Trailhead Improvements mt. elden trailhead parking lot 33l


I am concerned the Mt. Elden/Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Project Proposed Actions will• increase the length of a number of trails through realignment/decommissioning, thereby reducing the number of short, direct hikes to the top of Mt. Elden and DLH, limiting some hikers experiences• increase user traffic in areas where impact is relatively low, reducing the solitude and quiet sought out by some and impacting wildlife sightings• increase erosion by condoning the presence of downhill biking• increase vehicular traffic and dust levels on Mt. Elden Road by condoning the presence of downhill biking and the car shuttling that group often utilizes• unnecessarily remove trees to increase the size of parking areas• unnecessarily modify the landscape to create new trails - the focus should be on better maintaining existing trails• encourage illegal trail building as a number of currently unauthorized trails (or parts thereof) are included in the current plan• conflict and/or be influenced by logging operations in ways not yet know – perhaps aspects of this plan should be put on hold until that impact is better understood• favor the input of the biking community over others due to heavy lobbying by FBO

Other general commplaints agaisnt MEDL 33m

kurt bankord 11/28/2013 Email

I reviewed the Mt. Elden Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Scoping and think you did a good job of trying to accomodate a diverse group of interests and also presere the area. Other general support 34

Jerome Naleski 11/27/2013 Email

I think it makes sense for the Forest Service to adopt several non-system trails, specifically Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger, to improve connectivity ofexisting and proposed trails. In addition, adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger would provide more recreational opportunities for varied skill levels of hikers, bikers, equestrian, etc. New Trail Construction Support of including social trails 35a



It would make sense to see a new trail that begins roughly from the current Schultz Creek/Rocky Ridge Trailhead and ascending the South face of the Dry Lake Hills in the area of the current trail Lost Burrito. A sustainable trail that switchbacked up the South face and merged into the proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop would provide anadditional route choice to the top of Dry Lake Hills which would relieve user volume from Schultz Creek, Little Gnarly, Rocky Ridge and Brookbank. This new trail wouldprovide a different user experience compared to Shultz Creek and Brookbank in that it would be on the South facing slope which would allow shoulder season access before the snow melts on Schultz Creek and Brookbank. Additionally, this trail would be easilyaccessed from town. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 35b


It would make sense to relocate the Schultz Creek Trailhead down to the Y at Schultz Pass Rd and Elden Lookout Rd. This change would allow 4-season access tothe highly used trails of Rocky Ridge and Schultz Creek. Trailhead Improvements

support of moving schultz creek trailhead to the Y 35c


The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving Forces of Nature and the trails that connect from the pipeline east to Elden Lookout Trail as they are now. I propose adding the Class 4 trail below (south) of the existing trails in that area. It would make sense to locate the Class 4 trail in between the current trails such as Forces of Nature and the Pipeline. This would allow multiple user experiences in the same user corridor. The idea of adding Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail will allow user of all kinds and skill levels to enjoy thatbeautiful area.


general support of Flagstaff loop trail 35d


The proposed action of creating a Dry Lake Hills Loop is excellent. I propose expanding it to tie together a route that allows users to circumnavigate most, if not allthe Dry Lake Hills Basin. This expanded loop would tie together rerouted Brookbank, Jedi, Little Gnarly, Upper Brookbank, Pickle, Ginger and the previously proposed trail that would ascend the South face of Dry Lake Hills and merge into the Dry Lake Hills Loop. New Trail Construction support of Dry lakes loop 35e



I propose rerouting the Heart Trail so that it is both sustainable and usable by all user groups. This reroute would provide the same benefit that Little Bear provided by linkingthe Dry lake Hills area to the Little Elden Springs Trail and Schultz Tank area. A sustainable Heart Trail would link the Christmas Tree/Sandy Seep/Fat Man's Loop area to the Dry Lake Hills area. This would provide the east Flagstaff area with more direct access to the Dry Lake Hills area which would relieve pressure from other access points and disperse user visits.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Proposed rerouting of heart trail 35f


I support the reroute of Upper Oldham as it is currently not sustainable or user friendly for all user groups. The adoption of Red Onion and Wasabi would dovetail wellwith this reroute.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of upper oldham reroute 35g


Recommendation to add a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both SchultzCreek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction proposed FBO new trail 35h


Recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposedre-alignment to the east. We have hiked this area extensively and our alignment would make for a much better trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement realign lower brookbank 35i


Recommendation to add upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Recommendation to add Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trailsprovide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. New Trail Construction

support adding social trails to the sytstem 35j


Recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 35k


Recommendation to align the re-designated Class 4 Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where itis shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area (the current FLT alignment). This will minimize impacts tothe ESA and is a more appropriate placement for this trail type at the Forest- Community interface


Flagstaff loop trail recommendation 35l


The Doney Park Multi-modal study completed in 2011 recommends a FUTS type extension from the end of the FUTS at Snowflake, across Forest Service land tothe intersection of Townsend-Winona Road. The analysis for this folds perfectly into the MEDL planning. New Trail Construction Add a FUTS trail snowflake 35m


Joshua Langdon 11/27/2013 Email

I'm really happy that you included all of the dh trails we originally gps'd. This is a well thought out system that even though is contained in a small area it can appeal toall levels of riders including first timers, family's, and of course the experts. I hope there will be a large corridor established around proposed trails so we can createmuch needed go around routes, braids, and bypasses. New Trail Construction Support of proposed downhill trails 36a


I also really like the proposed Dry Lakes Loops and the Turkey Park Loop. I think these trails will be a huge hit with all user groups and help with dispersing traffic and creating opportunities for linking together longer rides and walks. New Trail Construction

support of Dry lakes loop and turkey park loop 36b


The proposed dh trail system is awesome but it may miss the mark for some of he mid and advanced level "all mountain" riders out there looking for a differen experience than what the dh system provides. This is why we mapped the Lower bookbank Trail to reach back into the canyon that the current Lower Brookbank is inand then extending across the face of the DL area up to the scenic overlook. We believe the trail could follow this alignment without entering any owl pacs that may bein the area, it would have a beautiful contouring grade, and would be a classic multi use bench cut type trail. This would also give us an opportunity to create a well builtdescending "all mountain" trail where the trail Ginger is currently. Ginger and Jedi trails were two trails we included with our suggestions and would provide mountain bikers as well as hikers with a more challenging experience that is very much desired and needed as proven by the amount of social trails created in the Dry Lakes area. New Trail Construction

Support of lower brookbank and including social trals 36c


Another trail we had suggested but was not included in the proposed action was a front side trail gps'd by Tomas that he was calling "Buck Rut" that would connect thecurrent Shultz Trail and Rocky Ridge trail head with the Dry Lakes. There is already a user created trail leaving from this area connecting up to the Lost Burrito social trailwhich leads to the Dry Lakes. This could replace Lost Burrito and the steep Jedi trail also called Sheepherder that drops off of the Dry Lakes down to the Shultz Creektrail. New Trail Construction Proposed trail "buck rut" 36d


From the Shultz Pass area trail head Little Gnarly is the only recognized route up to the Dry Lakes, Little Gnarly is a wide and steep double track jeep road, a singletrack alternative would be widely appreciated by all user groups. New Trail Construction Include little gnarly trall 36e



Anthony has suggested a route from Sunset to the top of Lower Brookbank, this would greatly enhance the experience for all user groups and add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system.


proposed trail from sunset to lower brookbank 36f


The proposed reroute for Upper Oldham is another excellent improvement for the trail system. This will help eliminate conflict issues with car traffic and mountain bikers on Lookout Road. A vital connection in the same area that was not included on this initial proposal is the Red Onion Trail. I believe this trail has been in use for twenty plus years and is very popular. It gives trail users a more direct approach to the Little Bear, Upper Brookbank, and Sunset Trails from the Lookout Road/Mount Elden trail system. Upper Oldham would be a fantastic connecter to the upper reaches of Sunset Trail but descending the "Catwalk" into the "Hobbit Forrest" is a more advanced section of trail and may not appeal to more xc orientated riders as well as beginner and intermediate riders or any trail user looking for a shorter alternative then Upper Oldham and this why it was probably created in the first place. I can't emphasize enough how vital this connection is. The current Red Onion Trail, Upper and Lower, is poorly aligned, it is highly erosive and unappealing aesthetically. Having Red Onion cross the Road to a new Lower Red Onion then connecting to Upper Oldham would also help eliminate the conflict problems on Lookout Road, create better connectivity and establish a desired stacked loop system.


Support of upper oldhamd reroute and how the inclusion of red onion trail supports the reroute 36g

Martin Ince

City of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization 11/27/2013 Email

There is one additional forest access point from the end of Hollygreen Road on the north side of the Christmas Tree neighborhood that also abuts the National Forest, but is outside the limits of Map 7. 2 There is a vacant lot at the end of Hemburg Drive that is privately owned but is used for informal access to the forest. This access point is shown as “unofficial” on Map 7. City staff has haddiscussions in the past about securing an easement across the lot to formalize the access to the forest. For this study it is recommended that it be included as a future access point, so if the City is able to obtain an easement, then a formal trail connection can be made on Forest Service land. Other Additional forest access points 37a

Martin Ince 11/27/2013 Email

Where there are existing points of access, there are also one or more social trails that generally lead to Forest Service system trails. Will these trails be converted to formal system trails, and will other duplicate and unnecessary access trails be closed or obliterated? New Trail Construction

Question about social trail inclusion 37b



An existing City FUTS trail ends at the intersection of Marketplace Drive and the access road to theFlagstaff Ranger District. Our trails master plan shows this trail extending northwest and connecting to the Pipeline Trail, but given the location and function, this trail extension could be a Class 4 Forest Service trail rather than a formal FUTS trail. New Trail Construction new trail ideas 37c


The plan for a Class 4 trail along the base on Mt Elden is a good idea; the existing Pipeline Trail isalready is well-used, and a new Class 4 trail would be a good complement to the FUTS system inthe area as a trail that can be used for both recreation and transportation. However, for this trail tofunction best for recreation and transportation, it is recommended that some changes to theproposed trail be considered:-At the west end, a new Class 4 trail has already been proposed as part of the Flagstaff Loop Trail to realign the trail from the pipeline.- In the middle section, the trail should generally follow the alignment of the Pipeline Trail rather than the Forces of Nature, A Walk Through Time, Spring, and Wildlife Tree Trails through the Environmental Study Area.-Toward the east end, the trail could tie into the intersection of El Paso Drive and Mountain Meadow Drive, and then extend north. There is a “pinch point” a little further north where the existing Pipeline Trail is only about 50 feet from a private parcel at its nearest point. For thisshort section, the new Class 4 trail may have to share the alignment with the existing PipelineTrail. -After the pinch point, the Class 4 trail can be aligned to the east of the Pipeline Trail through the flats in the area generally bounded by the Pipeline Trail, the old Christensen School, and the Flagstaff Ranger District. In this vicinity, a Class 4 trail connection can also be made to the existing FUTS that ends at the intersection of Marketplace Drive and the Flagstaff RangerDistrict access road (described above in comment 4).


Flagstaff loop trail recommendations 37d

Martin Ince Email

As part of the proposed Mt Elden trailhead enlargement, some consideration should be given toextending the Elden Lookout Trail east to make a direct connection to the City’s North 89 FUTS Trail. Although hikers and bicyclists can make this connection now through the parking lot, the parking lot is going to be enlarged and will have more vehicular activity. A direct connection supports the concept of using FUTS to walk or bike to access Forest Service trails, rather thandriving to the trailhead. Trailhead Improvements

mt. elden trailhead improvement ideas 37e



Coconino County’s Doney Park Multimodal Transportation Study includes plans for 2 shared use pathways that appear to cross Forest Service land and are within the boundaries of the Mt Elden/Dry Lake Hills planning area.- The first is a proposed pathway that connects from the end of the FUTS trail at Snowflake and Highway 89 to the intersection of Townsend-Winona Road and Highway 89. This proposed trail is aligned through the National Forest to the west of the triangle of private land and the EldenPueblo Archeology Site. This trail is an important link between planned pathways in Doney Park and the City’s FUTS system.- The second is a planned pathway along the west side of Highway 89, generally betweenTownsend-Winona Road and Forest Road 743. It is possible that this planned trail could remain within the right-of-way of Highway 89, however if it is necessary for the trail to be aligned outside of the right-of-way it would be on Forest Service land for some sections. Other

suggest ideas on including doney park 37f


The City Council recently concluded a public process to help determine future use of 17 City-owned vacant parcels. For the 20-acre parcel near the intersection of Schultz Pass Road and EldenLookout Road, Council’s direction was to keep the parcel as open space, with the possibility of a future trailhead that would serve as a trail hub between FUTS trails to the south and Forest Servicetrails to the north. A separate letter has been submitted by the City’s Assistant to the City Manager for Real Estate indicating the City’s interest in future discussions with the Forest Service regarding a USFS-managed trailhead on the parcel. Other

New trail head proposal on city land 37g

Judy Tincher

Coconino Rural Environment Corps 11/26/2013 Email

Coconino Rural Environment Corps (CREC) fully supports the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills project. CREC is committed to stewardship, and in the spirit of service, we take pride in working hard to care for the environment. The MEDL project will require a lot of work, and CREC hopes to provide a workforce of local youth and young adults to get the job done. Other general support of MEDL 38a

Judy Tincher 11/26/2013 Email

I think improved signage, improved trailheads, 23 miles of new trail and relocating and decommissioning some eroded trails is a good move.It’s also great that the plan takes into consideration so many user groups including downhill mountain bikers, equestrians and hang gliders. Other General support 38b

James Duval 11/26/2013 Email

One trail that is of significant importance to me is the Red Onion connector trail. I would like to see this trail upgraded to Forest Service standards and kept in the system.I would also like to see some of the downhill users specific trails kept in the system and perhaps have a variety of one way only down hill intermediate to expert terraindeveloped. New Trail Construction

support of red onion and downhill trails 39a


James Duval 11/26/2013 EmailI would like to specifically support the recommendations as posted on the Flagstaff Biking Organizations website Other Support of FBO's Proposed Plan 39b

Emma Lou Benanti 11/25/2013 Email

The public comment period needs to be extended by several months. Although you present no data whatsoever on any of your proposed actions or theeffects of these proposed actions, this long-awaited forest plan is very important with complex details the public needs time to consider. A one month public comment period is unrealistic. If it took CNF several years to finally publish your plan, it is most reasonable for the purpose of the EA process to allow the public at least a few more months to comment. Other

Public ocmment period was too short 40a


There are serious concerns about the ability of the Coconino National Forest and Brian Poturalski to be objective in this planning project. Brian Poturalski and the CNF appear to have a conflict of interest dueto their long-term alliance / MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with a Flagstaff special interest group: Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO). Other

concern over fairness with community groups 40b


This project needs larger oversight, e.g. regional and national USFS agencies supervision and credible conservation group scrutiny. It appears that CNFmanagement is biased in favor of specific projects requested by FBO that are environmentally destructive, unsafe, offensive to other recreationists, and whollyagainst the USFS-CNF stated management and MEDL planning purpose. Other General concern 40c


Remove the proposed “Downhill Mountain Biking” Trails (MEDL Proposed Planning Project, under “New Trail Construction”, pg 3). Remove the source of increased motorized traffic on Mt Elden Roadcaused by Downhill/Gravity Riders. Obliterate the existing illegal downhill trails – and enforce it. New Trail Construction against downhill trails 40d


DO YOUR OWN TRAIL WORK and remove the perception that special interest groups can buy favor with the USFS by doing “volunteer trail work”. Other

concern over how the trail work will be completed 40e


Remove the “ELDEN SCENIC TRAILHEAD” and “SCENIC LOOP TRAIL” on top of Mt. Elden from your proposed plan. These two actions will turn Mt Elden into a circus of motorized supported activities. Once again, this will only increase motorized activity. These two proposals appear more to promote shuttle vehicle access and Gravity Rider access for the proposed downhill trails (and other existing downhill trails) in the immediate area than for any “scenic” viewers or loop hikers. Trailhead Improvements

Against elden scenic trailhead and scenic loop 40f



Close the existing gate at the base of Mt Elden Road to prevent abuse of Mt Elden slopes and Mt Elden road through Gravity Riding repeated shuttles. Trailhead Improvements suggested gate use 40g


Remove the HANG GLIDER LAUNCH SITE construction. How large is the demand for hang glider recreation relative to the all the recreationists on Mt Elden? Resurfacing the top of Mt Elden and 5 acres of tree removal is extreme and not a fair representation of the community of Mt Elden area recreationists. Once again, Mt Elden doesn’t need additional parking lots and increased motorized vehicle activity at the top. The high elevation area of Mt Elden is a special and fragile environment. This is excessive, additional expense and environmental damage. Hang Glider Launch Site Agaisnt hang glider launch site 40h

Evan Sollberger 11/25/2013 Email

Recommendation to add upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Recommendation to add a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. Recommendation to add Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank New Trail Construction Proposed inclusion of social trails 41a

Evan Sollberger 11/25/2013 EmailRecommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed realignment to the east

Trail Relocation and Improvement Relocation of Brookbank Trail 42b


Recommendation to add a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both SchultzCreek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction New trail idea 42c


Recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trailsystem. New Trail Construction New trail idea 42d

Ken Bennett 11/25/2013 EmailRecommend relocating the Schultz Creek trailhead to the "Y" and ask the Forest Service to manage this area. Trailhead Improvements schultz creek trailhead relocation 43a

Ken Bennett 11/25/201 Email

Recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden oncontours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the ProposedAction along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area. Recommend adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the PreferredAlternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 43b



Recommend addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills.Recommend maximum utilization of terrain for Downhill trails, preferably with a progressive difficulty level. New Trail Construction

Schultz creek trail connector with dry lakes loop 43c


Recommend adding Ginger and Jedi to the trail network (2 of my favorite trails) Recommend adding a connector trail from lower Sunset to the top portion of Lower Brookbank New Trail Construction New trail ideas 43d

Ken Bennett 11/25/201 EmailRecommend moving Lower Brookbank from it's currently proposed Re-Alignment to the East

Trail Relocation and Improvement lower brookbank reroute 43e

Ken Bennett 11/25/201 EmailRecommend better interpretive facilities and signage for ease of way finding and better education opportunities for users.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Support of increased signage 43f


Recommend Forest Service consider realigning existing system trails that are poorly aligned to better address erosion issues and user experience as outlined in the Proposed Action.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of trail improvments 43g

Ken Bennett 11/25/201 EmailI also support the use of the trail system for appropriately sanctioned events such as bike or foot races Special-Use Trail Events support of special sue events 43h

Andrew Berman 11/25/2013 Email

One trail that has provided welcome relief fromthe high speed mechanized world is known by a dedicated group of older hikers as the Lost Burrito Trail (aka to some as the Sheep Herder's trail),but unfortunately, it is one of the unofficial trails that I fear could be eliminated. Loss of the Lost Burrito would pretty much eliminate the Dry Lake Hills for hikers that do not want to have to worry about getting run over.I would now advocate for including the Lost Burrito Trail as an official part of the MEDL if its use could be limited to hikers only.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Keep Lost Burrito Trail 44

Erik Borling 11/24/2013 Email

I support increasing the number of permits allowed for special events such as bike and running races, including "enduro" type timed downhill races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special sue events 45a


I support creating a permanent parking area with a toilet at the Schultz Creek Y that will allow 4 season access, and would like to see a small "bike skills" park there. I would like tosee the FS work with the City of Flagstaff on this one, creating a permanent open space areathere. Trailhead Improvements Trailhead at the Y 45b


I would like to see the Flagstaff Loop Trail contour in the pipeline corridor rather than the through the Forces of Nature/Environmental Study area on the south side of Mt. Elden.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 45c



I would like to have upper Red Onion trail added to the system. It is an important connector that decreases the need to ride up the road. With additional road traffic stemming from increasing downhill trail shuttling I think it will become even more important as a connector. New Trail Construction Support of including red onion trail 45d


I support a new connector from Schultz Creek trailhead to the Dry Lakes Loop in order to maximize the "stacked loops" concept and disperse use on the trails. I support a connector from Lower Sunset to Lower Brookbank, again adding more optionsand versatility to the system. New Trail Construction New trail ideas 45e


I support downhill/shuttled access trails that can be legally maintained (decreased environmental impact). Having designated downhill trails will decrease user conflict and introduces new riders to the sport. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 45f

Erik Borling 11/24/2013 Email I support FBO's recommended alignment for lower Brookbank trail.Trail Relocation and Improvement Fbo's plan for lower brookbank 45g


I support adding Ginger and Jedi trails to the system. They are great advanced/intermediatetrails for those that don't want to commit to the full downhill experience but still want a very challenging ride. They are also additional options from dropping down from the top of Dry Lake Hills, aiding in the dispersal of trail use helping to decrease user conflicts. New Trail Construction Inclusion of giner and jedi trails 45h


I support the improvements to the Mt Elden ESA. Interpretive trails are fun and great for locals and out of towners alike. Increasing education of our natural areas increases environmental stewardship.


support of the environmental study area 45i

Erik Borling 11/24/2013 Email I support formalizing the climbing area on Mt. Elden. New Trail ConstructionSupport of West Elden Climbing Access 45j


I support the class 4 trail development from Elden Lookout Trail to Elden Lookout Road and especially the connector to Buffalo Park. This will allow quicker access to the forest from various parts of town, will assist bicycle commuters, and will allow a mud/rut free way toaccess the FS trails during the muddy parts of the year. The trails on the mountains drainwell but the area behind Buffalo park is sticky mud and would benefit from a raised grade trail.


Support of Class 4 trail development 45k

David Blanchard 11/28/2013 Email

The re-route of Lower Brookbank, for example, isnowhere near the current alignment and might be considered a "new" trail. Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO) has proposed a differen trealignment of Lower Brookbank and I support their proposal to moveLower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east.


supports FBO's proposed reroute of lower brookbank 46a



The Recreation Plan should consider relocating the Schultz Creek Trail Head to the "Schultz Y" City Parcel to provide a 4-season accessible trail head. Moving the trailhead would require an IntergovernmentalAgreement with the City of Flagstaff. Given the recent public support to preserve this land because of its access to trails this action should be sought. Trailhead Improvements

support ofmoving the schultz creek trailhead to the Y 46b


The current plan does not retain the Ginger and Jedi Trails. Thesetrails are intermediate/expert in difficulty and there are many riders looking for this kind of challenge. Consequently, I suggest that thesetwo trails be a part of the Recreation Plan.The plan also eliminates Red Onion Trail. This trail is a useful connector when traveling up Elden Lookout Road to easily access Little Bear, Sunset, and Upper Brookbank without having to travel to the top ofthe road. New Trail Construction support of including social trails 46c


The proposal plan should also includes opportunities for downhill (DH) riders. I am not a DH'er but recognize that this is a growing segment of the mountain biking community. Providing adequate trails and access forthe DH community may have the added benefit of moving many of these riders off of other system trails and reducing user conflicts. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 46d


FBO has also suggested a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank Trail. I believe this would supplement or replace the current access via Little Gnarly -- an interesting but ultimately unsustainable trail owing to its steepgradient in places. New Trail Construction against FBO's connector trail 46c


There is a spur trail from Upper Brookbank that drops steeply down into the Dry Lakes area. This spur is used by Northern Arizona Trail Runners Association (NATRA) Soulstice Trail Run each fall so that they do not travel across a non-USFS section of Upper Brookbank. This segment is unsustainable and should be replaced with a trail that accommodates thesteep terrain. New Trail Construction

unsuitable trail in current conditions 46d


Eliza Moyer 11/23/2013 Email

It makes sense for the Forest Service to adopt several non-system trails, specifically Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi,Pickle and Ginger, to improve connectivity of existing and proposed trails. In addition, adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger would provide more recreational opportunities for varied skill levels of hikers, bikers,equestrian, etc. When adopting these non-system trails the Arizona Trail from Schultz Tank to Lower Moto provides a good model. When social trails in that area were adopted they were incorporated where and when they met topographical and sustainability requirements. I propose the same approach when adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger. Wasabi could serve as part of the Downhill Specific trail expansion. New Trail Construction include social trails 47a


It would make sense to see a new trail that begins roughly from the current Schultz Creek/Rocky Ridge Trailhead and ascending the South face of the Dry Lake Hills in the area of the current trail Lost Burrito. A sustainable trail that switchbacked up the South face and merged into the proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop would provide an additional route choice to the top of Dry Lake Hills which would relieve user volume from Schultz Creek, Little Gnarly, Rocky Ridge and Brookbank. This new trail would provide a different user experience compared to ShultzCreek and Brookbank in that it would be on the South facing slope which would allow shoulder season access before the snow melts on Schultz Creek and Brookbank. Additionally, this trail would be easily accessed fromtown. New Trail Construction proposed new trail 47b


It would make sense to relocate the Schultz Creek Trailhead down to the Y at Schultz Pass Rd and EldenLookout Rd. This change would allow 4-season access to the highly used trails of Rocky Ridge and SchultzCreek. Trailhead Improvements



The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving Forces of Nature and the trails that connect from the pipeline east to Elden Lookout Trail as they are now. I propose adding the Class 4 trail below (south) of the existing trails in that area. It would make sense to locate the Class 4 trail in between the current trails such as Forces of Nature and the Pipeline. This would allow multiple user experiences in the same user corridor. The idea of adding Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail will allow user of all kinds and skill levels to enjoy that beautiful area.


Support of Class 4 trail development 47d



The proposed action of creating a Dry Lake Hills Loop is excellent. I propose expanding it to tie together a route that allows users to circumnavigate most, if not all the Dry Lake Hills Basin. This expanded loop would tie together rerouted Brookbank, Jedi, Little Gnarly, Upper Brookbank, Pickle, Ginger and the previously proposed trail that would ascend the South face of Dry Lake Hills and merge into the Dry Lake Hills Loop. This would provide extensive user options from the Dry Lake Hills area for all skill levels and a wide variety of users. New Trail Construction support of dry lakes loop 47d


I propose rerouting the Heart Trail so that it is both sustainable and usable by all user groups. This reroute would provide the same benefit that Little Bear provided by linkingthe Dry lake Hills area to the Little Elden Springs Trail and Schultz Tank area. A sustainable Heart Trail would link the Christmas Tree/Sandy Seep/Fat Man's Loop area to the Dry Lake Hills area. This would provide the east Flagstaff area with more direct access to the Dry Lake Hills area which would relieve pressure from other access points and disperse user visits.

Trail Relocation and Improvement reroute heart trail 47e


I support the reroute of Upper Oldham as it is currently not sustainable or user friendly for all user groups. Theadoption of Red Onion and Wasabi would dovetail well with this reroute.

Trail Relocation and Improvement reroute upper oldhham 47f

Kip Moyer 11/23/2013 Email

I think it makes sense for the Forest Service to adopt several non-system trails, specifically Jedi,Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger, to improve connectivity of existing and proposed trails. In addition, adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger would provide more recreational opportunities for varied skill levels of hikers, bikers, equestrian, etc. When adopting these non-system trails the Arizona Trail from Schultz Tank to Lower Moto provides a good model. When social trails in that area were adopted they were incorporated where and when they met topographical and sustainability requirements. I propose the same approach when adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger. Wasabi could serve as part of the Downhill Specific trail expansion. New Trail Construction

adoption of social trails into the system 48a



It would make sense to see a new trail that begins roughly from the current Schultz Creek/Rocky Ridge Trailhead and ascending the South face of the Dry Lake Hills in the area of the current trail Lost Burrito. A sustainable trail that switchbacked up the South face and merged into the proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop would provide an additional route choice to the top of Dry Lake Hills which would relieve user volume from Schultz Creek, Little Gnarly, Rocky Ridge and Brookbank. This new trail would provide a different user experience compared to Shultz Creek and Brookbank in that it would be on the South facing slope which would allow shoulder season access before the snow melts on Schultz Creek and Brookbank. Additionally, this trail would be easily accessed from town. New Trail Construction new trial idea 48b


It would make sense to relocate the Schultz Creek Trailhead down to the Y at Schultz Pass Rd and Elden Lookout Rd. This change would allow 4-season access to the highly used trails of Rocky Ridge and Schultz Creek. Trailhead Improvements

Move schultz creek trailhead to the Y 48c


The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving Forces of Nature and the trails that connect from the pipeline east to Elden Lookout Trail as they are now. I propose adding the Class 4 trail below (south) of the existing trails in that area. It would make sense to locate the Class 4 trail in between the current trails such as Forces of Nature and the Pipeline. This would allow multiple user experiences in the same user corridor. The idea of adding Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail will allow user of all kinds and skill levels to enjoy that beautiful area.


Support of Class 4 trail development and keeping forces of nature 48d


The proposed action of creating a Dry Lake Hills Loop is excellent. I propose expanding it to tietogether a route that allows users to circumnavigate most, if not all the Dry Lake Hills Basin. This expanded loop would tie together rerouted Brookbank, Jedi, Little Gnarly, Upper Brookbank, Pickle, Ginger and the previously proposed trail that would ascend the South face of Dry Lake Hills and merge into the Dry Lake Hills Loop. This would provide extensive user options from the Dry Lake Hills area for all skill levels and a wide variety of users. New Trail Construction support of dry lakes loop 48e



I propose rerouting the Heart Trail so that it is both sustainable and usable by all user groups. This reroute would provide the same benefit that Little Bear provided by linkingthe Dry lake Hills area to theLittle Elden Springs Trail and Schultz Tank area. A sustainable Heart Trail would link the ChristmasTree/Sandy Seep/Fat Man's Loop area to the Dry Lake Hills area. This would provide the east Flagstaff area with more direct access to the Dry Lake Hills area which would relieve pressure from other access points and disperse user visits.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of relocating the heart trail 48f


I support the reroute of Upper Oldham as it is currently not sustainable or user friendly for all user groups. The adoption of Red Onion and Wasabi would dovetail well with this reroute.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of rerouting upper oldham 48g

Gail hughes 11/22/2013 Email

I think it makes sense for the Forest Service to adopt several non-system trails, specifically Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger, to improve connectivity ofexisting and proposed trails. In addition, adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger would provide more recreational opportunities for varied skill levels of hikers, bikers, equestrian, etc. When adopting these non-system trails the Arizona Trail from Schultz Tank to Lower Moto provides a good model. When social trails in that area were adopted they were incorporated where and when they met topographical andsustainability requirements. I propose the same approach when adopting Jedi, Red Onion, Wasabi, Pickle and Ginger. Wasabi could serve as part of the Downhill Specific trail expansion. New Trail Construction Support of inlcuding social trails 49a


It would make sense to see a new trail that begins roughly from the current Schultz Creek/Rocky Ridge Trailhead and ascending the South face of the Dry LakeHills in the area of the current trail Lost Burrito. A sustainable trail that switchbacked up the South face and merged into the proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop would provide an additional route choice to the top of Dry Lake Hills which would relieve user volumefrom Schultz Creek, Little Gnarly, Rocky Ridge and Brookbank. This new trail would provide a different user experience compared to Shultz Creek and Brookbank in that it would be on the South facing slope which would allow shoulder season access before the snow melts on Schultz Creek and Brookbank. Additionally, this trail would be easilyaccessed from town New Trail Construction new trail idea 49b


It would make sense to relocate the Schultz Creek Trailhead down to the Y at Schultz Pass Rd and Elden Lookout Rd. This change would allow 4-season access to the highly used trails of Rocky Ridge and Schultz Creek.





The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving Forces of Nature and the trails that connect from the pipeline east to Elden Lookout Trail as they are now. I propose adding the Class 4 trail below (south) of the existing trails in that area. It would make sense to locate the Class 4 trail in between the current trails such as Forces of Nature and the Pipeline. Thiswould allow multiple user experiences in the same user corridor. The idea of adding Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail will allow user of all kinds and skill levels to enjoy that beautiful area. New Trail Construction

Support of the class 4 trail and keeping forces of nature 49d


The proposed action of creating a Dry Lake Hills Loop is excellent. I propose expanding it to tie together a route that allows users to circumnavigate most, if not all the Dry Lake Hills Basin. This expanded loop would tie together rerouted Brookbank, Jedi, Little Gnarly, Upper Brookbank, Pickle, Ginger and the previously proposed trail that would ascend the South face of Dry Lake Hills and merge into the Dry Lake Hills Loop. This would provide extensive user options from the Dry Lake Hills area for all skill levels and a wide variety of users. New Trail Construction support of dry lakes loop 49e


I propose rerouting the Heart Trail so that it is both sustainable and usable by all user groups. This reroute would provide the same benefit that Little Bear provided by linkingthe Dry lake Hills area to the Little Elden Springs Trail and Schultz Tank area. Asustainable Heart Trail would link the Christmas Tree/Sandy Seep/Fat Man's Loop area to the Dry Lake Hills area. This would provide the east Flagstaff area with more direct access to the Dry Lake Hills area which would relieve pressure from other access pointsand disperse user visits.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of relocating the heart trail 49f


I support the reroute of Upper Oldham as it is currently not sustainable or user friendly for all user groups. The adoption of Red Onion and Wasabi would dovetail wellwith this reroute


suppport of rerouting upper olham trail 49g

Linda Sherman 11/21/2013 Email

The thing that is missing in your plan is any plan to deal with the large number of loose dogs that enter the trail system every day, putting pressure on wildlife and disrupting the enjoyment of the trails for others. It would be fine with me if dogs were restricted from the more sensitive areas. That way the amount of use would be reduced, erosion would be less of an issue with the mountain bikes off the trail, wildlife would be protected, and it would be a peaceful, quiet trail for hikers and runners. And maybe cost less than decommissioning the entire trail. Other concern over dogs in the area 50a



I think it is too bad that you will decommission some of the traditional, historic trails in the area. Couldn't these trails be reworked in the areas where erosion is a problem and not destroy the whole trail? Maybe some switchbacks and water bars in certain areas. If overuse is a problem, why not restrict these older trails to foot traffic only, since you are planning new trails for bikers, equestrians, climbers and hang gliders.

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning don't decomission historic trails 50b


Also, there needs to be some monitoring of the drinking areas near the east end of the pipeline near Christensen School.Your proposed trail runs right through it. I had a crying, upset woman approach me there and ask meto call 911. She was apparently having difficulty with the man she was with. I think that it can bedangerous to enter that area, especially for a woman alone. Other Saftey Concern 50c

Jay Bowers 11/21/2013 Email

I am writing this in order to express my support of the work being considered for the Mount Elden DryLake Hills Recreation Area (as outlined on the Flagstaff Biking Organization's websitehttp://flagstaffbiking.org/.Anything that can be done to enhance the experience, safety & accessibility will be a worthy investment; seeing the area developed for a wide variety of skills, abilities and interests will be a worthy investment that will continue to pay off for generations to come Other Support of FBO's proposed plan 51

Kenneth Schipper 11/20/2013 Email

I think this is a fantastic project and I fully support it. It provides a great expansion of the legal non motorized trails while maintaining a responsible impact on theforrest and dispersing use. The only thing that would make this better is a trail or two that would be opened to motorized single track use. This should be toward the north side of the mountain to minimize user conflicts, if possible. Other general support 52

Chris Grove 11/20/2013 Email

An easier way from Buffalo Park to the forest N of the park. We used to ride the pipeline, then the current trail was built and was better, but has become unusable by all but the most experienced cyclists. We need a FUTS type trail that would give beginning riders access tothe trail system. New Trail Construction

need a trail from buffalo park to the forest 53a


Realignment of some trails that are very eroded and just cannot be maintained. One that comes to mind is the section of Sunset in the “saddle” where the trail has become a rut. Lower Brookbank is another

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of rerouting eroded trails 53b


I would like to see the addition of “Red Onion” since it provides a great connector from Elden Road to many trails without having to climb all the way up Mt Elden Rd. I use this often when pressed for time and it provides great options for riders that are not fit. New Trail Construction Support of including red onion trail 53c



I hope with the improved trail system, you will continue to work with the trail users for events such as races and other organized events to get users into the forest.

Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 53d

Joan Martini 11/20/2013 Email

I agree that MEDL's close proximity to town allows easy saturation of the area by recreational users but the proposed additional new trails will add to the problem of habitat fragmentation. What is the threshold for disturbing wildlife habitat vs. recreational usage? Other

concern over habitat fragmentation 54a

Joan Martini 11/20/2013 EmailI agree that Brookbank and Upper Oldham need to be rerouted to meet class 3 specifications.


support of rerouteing upper oldhamn and brookbank 54b


have a Forest Service crew or a dedicated experienced contract crew (with the supervision of a capable,knowledgeable and present crew foreman) in place to perform heavy trail maintenance during the summer monsoons. This would allow for maximum benefitdue to moist, compactible soils. The crew would work 7 days/week from mid July to mid September exclusively on the MEDL trail system. 8 weeks (56 days) atapproximately .75 miles per day equals 42 miles of trails maintained. This would be more cost and time effective and it would help to fulfill the F.S. mission of resource protection. Other Medl specific trail crew 54c


Downhill trails will encourage more motorized use of Elden Lookout Road (a road designed and maintained for F.S. admin use and tower maintenance) for shuttling. A sensible solution would be to close and lock the gate on Elden LO Rd.Year round non-motorized recreational access wouldstill be allowed with the benefit of a quieter, more peaceful experience for all. People that need motorized access to Elden LO Rd. could have keys. Recreational users that need a motorized experience can use snowmobiles all winter and help pack down the road for snow shoeing, x-country skiing, and snow bikes. Problems with littering, vandalism, high speed driving by downhill bike shuttlers (causing safety issues, dust,road deterioration) will be halted at no cost to the F.S. Other

keep elden lookout road use limited 54d



Downhill trails are essentially experimental and have no history of long term longevity. Why not use limited funds and manpower to benefit all recreational usersby maintaining/building class 3 multi-use trails?Move all downhill bike activity to the AZ Snowbowl. This would be consistent with the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 and would allow for a well-built high quality recreational experience as has been proven in many regions of the country.Use of limited funding/manpower to build downhill bike trails for very few users goes against F.S. mandate to sustain the People's Lands. The National Forests are not just a vast playground for adults. It is also home to wildlife, plants, timber, as well as headwaters for one-fifth of the Nation's freshwater New Trail Construction against downhill trails 54e


Trash, litter, and human waste are an increasing concern at the high use trail heads. This is both an obvious health concern as well as a loss of aesthetic value on public land. I fully support using limited funding to install toilet facilities at all of the developed trail heads. Especially since many of the trail heads are within City of Flagstaff watersheds. Trailhead Improvements support of restrooms at trailheads 54f

Eric Smith 11/20/2013 Email

I support the creation and designation of user specific trails in the hopes that some of the characteristic damage associated with downhill bike use can be mitigated or at least contained. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 55a


I also approve of the need to reroute both the Brookbank and Upper Oldham trails. Oldham in particular has sustained a great deal of damage on the uppermost section due to poor drainage of the Mt. Elden Lookout road above it. Finding a path whichminimizes the ongoing deterioration would be most welcome.


support of rerouteing upper oldhamn and brookbank 55b


I would like to suggest a change to the location of the seasonally locked gate on MT. Elden Lookout Road. I am a year-round user of the trails on the backside,and would like to continue to be able to access the trailheads for Brookbank and Upper Oldham in all seasons. The current situation essentially eliminates practical access to these trails. Moving the gate 2 miles north to the nexus of Oldham/Brookbank/Rocky Ridge would allow for winter enthusiasts like myself toreach trails that are ideal for creating loop hike options. Other

move the Mt. Elden road gate location for increased winter use 55c

Kyle Hornbeck 11/20/2013 Email

I'm in favor of this proposed plan because it includes more infrastructure, smarter trail access, allows for more sustainable trails and will hopefully adopt some of the area's popular social trails - making them safer and incorporating them into more comprehensive "loop" system Other general support of MEDL 56a


Kyle Hornbeck 11/20/2013 Email

Specifically, I really like the Brookbank and Oldham trail re-routes, adopting "Red Onion" "Jedi" and "Ginger" into the system, re-locating the Shultz creek trailheadfrom the existing location to the more accessible city parcel at the junction of Elden Lookout and Shultz Pass roads. This trailhead relocation makes a lot of sense and will provide more adequate forest access as the Flagstaff metro area continues to grow. The Elden lookout trailhead expansion make perfect sense as well.


support of rerouting brookbank and upper oldham 56b

Jennifer Kolodinsky 11/20/2013 Email

I want to lend my support to the Flagstaff Biking Organization's position on planning for the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Proposed Action. Other

General support of FBO's proposed plan 57


One of our main concerns is the Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop Trail. The trail loops around a rare alpine marshland that we found out could be an even rarer Wetland Cienega. Please preserve this area. It would be ideal if it could become a Protected Wildlife Quiet Area similar to other quiet areas on the Coconino National Forest. As observed over the past 39 years, if you build the loop trail, trails will sprout off of it and the area will be compromised. We need to preserve it for futuregenerations. Once compromised it would be irreplaceable. The rim of the crater can be used as anatural boundary to protect this wetland cienaga. A sign stating “You are entering a Protected WildlifeQuiet Area, non-motorized/non-mechanized area only” could be posted on the North edge of the rim. New Trail Construction Against Dry lakes hill loop 58

Joan Martini and Brad Baxter 11/19/2013 Email

Another concern is the distribution of hiking vs. mountain biking trails in the proposal. Some groups areproposing another mountain bike trail (“Buckrut”) to become part of the MEDL System. This trail wouldbe too steep to ride up so it would become a downhill only trail. The current route is not sustainable asa bike trail. It has lasted years with hikers using it. Please consider giving the hikers/runners a route onthe Southwest side of Dry Lake Hills as part of the “quiet” area. A non-motorized/non-mechanizedroute similar to a wilderness trail but close to town. There is a sizable group of people that haveminimal resource impact and need to have a place in nature without the user conflicts that occur onSchultz Creek Trail. An identified route (Lost Burrito- “Buckrut”) would take minimal FS/volunteer timeand resources to be maintainable. The hiking route already exists, it just needs to be protected fromfurther downhill bike traffic. New Trail Construction

support of maintaining hiking only trails 59


Jeff Strang 11/19/2013 Email

The proposed South Elden trail is closest to my neighborhood. I have long thought that there should be a trail going up Elden here. This planned trail nicely fits my desires. Please include this in the final proposal. New Trail Construction support of south elden trail 60a

Jeff Strang 11/19/2013 Email

I do think that this trail [south elden] will increase the use of the unofficial trailhead at the end of Paradise. While I do not think this access point should be a full Trailhead, I do think you should consider giving it aminor upgrade. Trailhead Improvements support of trailhead improvements 60b

Roy Lippman 11/18/2013 Email

I am in full support of improving the launch sites on Elden. The one that currently faces south is (ok), but could use some buffing out. We also need to improve the East facing launch site (clearing of snags and dead and down). But what I would most like to see is to create a SW facing launch on that ridge to the East of the current south launch. As we all know SW is more prevalent around here, and this would increase the fly-ability and safety of Elden.The other factor in all of this is the road condition. It seems to have improved over the past few years, but can be a real problem. Iwould hate to see money and time go into improving the launch, but have horrible access due toroad conditions. This should be considered in part of the plan Hang Glider Launch Site

Support of the hang glider launch site 61

Shane Stilwell

Dawn to Dust Race Team from Sierra Vista, AZ 11/18/2013 Email

Speaking for the club, I want to officially show our support for the Flagstaff Biking Organization and theirinitiatives for trails in the area. Other Support of FBO's proposed plan 62

Jeff Cocking 11/18/2013 Email

I support the closure of some the trails as long as some more trails will be constructed toease congestion in the MEDL area for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning support of trail closures 63a

Jeff Cocking 11/18/2013 EmailI support FBO's stance on all planningissues pertaining to MEDL project. Other Support of FBO's proposed plan 63b

Andrew Mount 11/18/2013 Email

Specifically, I support the relocation of Schultz Creek Trailhead to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. I urge USFS to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trailhead. Trailhead Improvements

support of relocating the shultz creek trailhead to the Y 64a


I recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden along the Pipeline corridor, rather than along Forces of Nature and other trails in the ESA. This makes logical sense and fits in better with the overall quality and difficulty of the Loop Trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Support of Flagstaff loop trail 64b


While not a downhill biker myself, I do believe that providing well-managed downhill trails helps minimize user conflicts, allowing the construction of sustainable trails that can be legally maintained and minimizing environmental impacts. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 64c


Andrew Mount 11/18/2013 EmailI support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed realignment to the east.


support of relocating lower brookbank 64d


I support adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system, providing an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. I support adding a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system.I support all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action, in addition to those above.They will help disperse use and provide diverse opportunities for all users. New Trail Construction support of new trails 64e


I support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education, but will also help with wayfinding.


support of environmental study area 64f


I support adding the ability for USFS to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system, as necessary, to address erosion and user-experience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 64g

Andrew Mount 11/18/2013 EmailI support enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 64h

Steve Huffman 11/18/2013 Email

I DO LIKE THE IDEA OF DEDICATED TRAILS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS, ROCK CLIMBERS, HIKERSAND EQUESTRIANS. ONE APPROACH WOULD BE TO LEARN FROM SUCH DESIGNATIONS IN THE RED ROCK DISTRICT. New Trail Construction support of user specific trails 65a

Steve Huffman 11/18/2013 Email

MY WIFE AND I LIVE IN FLAGSTAFF IN THE VALLEY CREST NEIGHBORHOOD. WE WALK OUR DOGS AND HIKETHE TRAILS ACCESSIBLE FROM THE ELDEN LOOKOUT RD. SHULTZ PASS RD Y EVERY WEEK, YEAR ROUND. WE LIKETHE IDEA OF IMPROVING THE PARKING AND ACCESS THERE. Trailhead Improvements support of improved parking 65b

Mitchell Porter 11/18/2013 Email

I have been riding up in flag for a long time, I would love to see new trails go in, I will defiantly be making more trips to flagstaff to come ride if this passes! New Trail Construction support of new trails 66

Carmen Bastek 11/18/2013 Email

I support ALL of the recommendation of Flagstaff Biking Organization. I particularly support the adoption of the "downhill" trails. New Trail Construction

Support of downhill trails and FBO's proposed plan 67

Burcham Hale 11/18/2013 Email

Although it provides conditions so suitable for soaring hang gliders and paragliders, many pilots are apprehensive to fly there because of the tree line. The possibility of clearing some areas for launching and creating permanent campgrounds for pilots andvisitors/hikers/bicyclist, has been a dream that goes back as long as I have been around. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 68


Tomas Robinson 11/18/2013 Email

Make trail care a priority for this forest district. As it stands now, most of our trails stand by neglected and under maintained. Primary reason: poor design and rainfall, soil conditions, coupled with lots of use. The greater USFS trail system in and around Flagstaff is currently managed from a 25+ year old system. Other

wantes to see increased maintenance of the area 69a

Tomas Robinson 11/18/2013 EmailI support the Flagstaff Biking Organization plan given to you by Anthony Q Other support of FBO's proposed plan 69b

Deborah Martinwille 11/18/2013 Email

Please put in our vote for the new proposed trail system as being an excellent innovative and proactiveway to work on our trail system We know that some of the social trails we've used are part of this proposal like red onion and others. Red onion developed because we needed cyclist needed an easier way at times to get to other trails like little bear. New Trail Construction

support of new trails and inclusion of red onion 70

Todd Matyas 11/18/2013 EmailI fully support any new trail building and the re-routing of any eroded trail in the area. New Trail Construction supportive of new trails 71

Nathan Cain 11/18/2013 EmailAfter reviewing the MEDL proposed action, I support all that it contains and could only stress that it contain more. Other genrael support 72

Troy Marino 11/17/2013 Email

I have read the proposed actions on FBO's website. As a mountain biker, hiker and climber, their ideas are sound and I agree with all of their proposals for the MEDL planning. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 73

John Nichols 11/17/2013 Email

Keep the trails that are commonly known as "private, BLT and steel". I believe these trails show case in the best possible way what downhill and downhill biking inflagstaff truly mean. making these trails easier and different is not creating great downhill trails. These trails are great trials, they are technical and challenging and incorporate so much of what it means to ride downhill in flagstaff. New Trail Construction inclusion of social trails 74a


If the trail known as "Double-D" has to be removed there should be a trail that can replace it. That trail is like no other on the mountain and is a great trail andincorporates so much natural terrain. I understand that this trail is not in the best area and I would love more than anything to see it stay but I would love a trail thatis a lot like in anywhere on that mountain support of Double-d trail 74b


I would Like to see the Trails known as "Pickle and Ginger" adopted into the system as downhill traffic only. purpose built downhill travel cross country trails New Trail Construction proposed social trails to keep 74c


I would like to see more downhill purpose built trails with stunts ranging from technical drops to difficult jumps. I would like to see more all-mountain trails built from the top down that aremuch like "ginger" but longer. I would like to see an area at the Y that includes a dual-slalom track, a aeries of dirt jumps for all users which incorporate stunts and also a pump track. suggested ideas 74d



Lastly I would like to express my opinion that by changing whats going on concerning the downhill trails I do not want to see trails "dumbed down" or made easier. New Trail Construction support of advanced downhill trails 74e

Darryl Reed 11/17/2013 EmailI fully support the recommendations set forth by the Flagstaff Biking Organization. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 75a

Darryl Reed 11/17/2013 Email

Well built downhill specific mountain bike trails are of great interest. Mt. Elden offers the perfect location and environment to build these types of trails. This is extremely important for minimizing user conflict and giving the downhill riders designated trails where we know we can safely ride without concern of interferences. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 75b

Darryl Reed 11/17/2013 Email

The addition trail proposed between Schultz Creek Trail Head and the Dry Lake Hills Loop system will be a perfect and needed addition. New Trail Construction new trail idea 75c

Darryl Reed 11/17/2013 EmailThe ability to hold races and events is very important to bring in new people interested in the health of the mountain and its trails. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 75d

Mark Wille 11/17/2013 Email

Recommend relocating Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Ask for the USForest Service to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements

support of relocating schultz creek trailhead to the Y 76a


Recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in theEnvironmental Study Area.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of flagstaff loop trail 76b


Recommend adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Recommend adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trailsprovide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. New Trail Construction support of keeping social trails 76c


Support FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add analternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction new trail idea 76d



Recommend maximizing opportunities for downhill trails. Even if you are not a “downhiller”, providing well-managed opportunities for this use helps to minimize user conflicts, allows the construction of sustainable trails that can be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and is instrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 76e


Support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. We have hiked this area extensively and our alignment would make for a much better trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement realign lower brookbank 76f


Support FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivityand versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction new trail idea 76g

Mark Wille 11/17/2013 EmailSupport all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action! New Trail Construction general support of new trails 76h


Support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with wayfinding in this area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of environmental area 76i



Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 76j

Mark Wille 11/17/2013 EmailSupport enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 76j

Ken Laneowner of Absolute Bikes 11/17/2013 Email

Although Brookbank and Oldham Trails are a part of Flagstaff history and I'll hate to see them go, the proposed replacement trails will be far more sustainable and provide a better user experience.


support of relocating brookbank and oldham 77a


I'd also like to see a single-track trail as an alternative to the old 789 road (aka Little Gnarly) which has always been a popular route up to the Dry Lakes new trail idea 77b


The Devils Chair trail and the Scenic Loop on top of Elden will be great (and a great deal of work). support of new trails 77c


Recognition and adoption of downhill mountainbike trails is brilliant! I'm including trails such as "Jedi", "Ginger" and "The Pickle" which are not typically accessed by truck shuttle, but still were created for adownhill bike experience and not really suitable for other uses. Facilities for equestrians and motorcyclists are equally important to allow our forest to serve us all.A trial not mentioned in the plan New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 77d



A trial not mentioned in the plan is "Red Onion" which connects mid-Elden Road to mid-Sunset Trail (at the top of Little Bear). Although Red Onion is badly laid out and badly eroded, it is heavily used because it's such a convenient connector. I understand that it does pass through an owl PAC but if it could be rerouted to mitigate negative affects, it should be adopted. New Trail Construction support of red onion 77e


The proposed Loop Trail segment across the South side of Elden will be a useful addition to the system but should not replace Forces of Nature or any of the other highly valued and heavily used trails in that corridor. Instead, it should be down the slope, perhaps on and of of the pipeline but staying more on contour for easier grades. Personally, I think a class 2 or 3 trail would be more appropriate than class 4.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 77f


A new Schultz Creek trail head on the City of Flagstaff property at the "Y" would be easier to maintain and access for year-round use and could move public parking off of the private land currently used. Aninter-governmental agreement should be sought to create a better long term facility there. Trailhead Improvements

move schultz creek trailhead to the Y 77g


Anything that can be done to facilitate realigning poorly laid out, eroded trails, such as much of Sunset trail, which cannot be fixed inside a 30 foot corridor, would be helpful.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realgning trails 77h


Another process that should be easier is permitting events, such as races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 77i

David P. Needham 11/17/2013 Email

I support Flagstaff Biking Organization and their commentary on future use of our greatoutdoors. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 78a

David P. Needham 11/17/2013 Email

I hope to see future development of more multi-use trails so that we can look forward to exploring Northern Arizona for years to come. New Trail Construction support of multi-use trails 78b

Mare Czinar 11/17/2013 Email

As many of these off-the-radar paths have become familiar to the members of the hiking community looking to augment their treks, I'd like to suggest that those that do not present a threat to the forest be absorbed into the system, signed and mapped for all to enjoy safely. New Trail Construction support of inlcuding social trails 79

Joey Gray 11/16/2013 Email

The ideal improvements would be some tree clearing below the existing south launch as well as someleveling. An addition of a SW launch would be an unbelievable improvement. SW being our dominantwind direction most of the year, a launch facilitating this direction would create Mount Elden's flyabilityexponentially. To have a drive up flying sight right in town would only add to Flagstaff and thecontinuing recreational opportunities available here. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 80


Chris & Theresa Wille 11/16/2013 Email

We would very much like to fly Mt Elden, however due to the current state of the site, it is often not possible.We have traveled to fly in Utah, Nevada and California. It would be great if we could fly in Flagstaff more often and thus keep our tourism dollars closer to home. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 81a

Chris & Theresa Wille 11/16/2013 EmailWe welcome any and all trail improvements which would allow us all to enjoy the outdoors more fully.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of trail improvements 81b

Michael Melley

Mountain Bike Association ofArizona 11/16/2103 Email

As a cyclist I would suggest aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area. This will lead to less impact ore interesting riding and less potential conflict among groups.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 82a

Michael Melley

Mountain Bike Association of Arizona 11/16/2103 Email

As chair person of the MBAA this effort will hopefully make it easier for events, such as bike races, to enjoy these trails and bring new visitors to Flagstaff and the local businesses. This includes downhill riding where only a few locations in the state have the terrain to support, making it unique. Special-Use Trail Events

support of special use events, specifically downhill 82b

Michael Melley


Reloacate Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Trailhead Improvements

move schultz creek trailhead to the Y 82c

Michael Melley


Add upper Red Onion trail into the system. Addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newlyproposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. Add Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system.Add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank. New Trail Construction new trail ideas 82d

Michael Melley


Move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east.


support of rerouting lower brookbank 82e

Michael Melley

Mountain Bike Association of Arizona 11/16/2103 Email Maximize downhill trails. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 82f

Michael Melley


Make improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of environmental area 82g

Michael Melley


I fully support adding the ability for the Forest Service to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and user-experience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 82h


Chandler Papas 11/15/2013 Email

I'm writing to support the proposed changes to Mount Elden trail system and to support any and all changes to the paragliding and hang gliding launch area andtrails that support these launches. As one of those user types in the Flagstaff area and having been flying Mount Elden I feel confident in saying these changes would improve the safety as well as the recreational experience for all the Hang gliders and paragliders in the area. Hang Glider Launch Site

general support and support of hang glide launch site 83

Rick Reed 11/15/2013 Email

I think it is important the Schultz Creek trail be officially located at the Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel for both convenience of location and for four-season accessibility. Trailhead Improvements

move schultz creek trailhead to the Y 84a


The addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop is essential, as it will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail while helping to disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction dry lakes loop 84b


I also hope that opportunities for downhill specific mountain bike trails are maximized. This segment of cycling is growing quickly and Mt. Elden offers theperfect location and environment to build these types of trails. This is extremely important for minimizing user conflict and giving us downhill riders designated trailswhere we know we can safely ride without concern of interferences. I also hope that some of the current downhill trails can be considered for legal adoption into the trail systems. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 84c

Rick Reed 11/15/2013 EmailI fully support all additions to the trails made in the Proposed action. New Trail Construction general support of new trails 84d

Rick Reed 11/15/2013 EmailI also support any opportunities to examine permitted events and races for consideration. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 84e

Jason Alexander 11/14/2013 Email

Recommend relocating Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Ask for the US Forest Service to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements



Recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails inthe Environmental Study Area.


Jason Alexander 11/14/2013 EmailRecommend adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. New Trail Construction keep red onion 85c



Support FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add analternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction new trail idea 85d


Recommend maximizing opportunities for downhill trails. Even if you are not a “downhiller”, providing well-managed opportunities for this use helps to minimize user conflicts, allows the construction of sustainabletrails that can be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and is instrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 85e


Support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. We have hiked this area extensively and our alignment would make for a much better trail

Trail Relocation and Improvement reroute lower brookbank 85f


Recommend adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise notavailable on the system. New Trail Construction keep social trails 85g


Support FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction new trail idea 85h


Support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with way-finding in this area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of the environmetnal area 85i


Support adding the ability for the Forest Service to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and user-experience concerns as stated in the ProposedAction.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 85j

Jason Alexander 11/14/2013 EmailSupport enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 85k

Tim Costello 11/14/2013 Email

I heartily support any improvements to the hang gliding and paragliding launch facilities (aerialtrailhead) on Mt. Elden. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 86

Gingher Leyendecker

President - Arizona Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association 11/14/2013 Email

Mt Elden is an exceptional resource and we are hopeful that the improvements will permit greater access and enjoyment for the general public. We also hope that, with some launch safety improvements, Mt Elden will become a more frequently utilized launch site. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 87

Noah Bodman 11/14/2013 EmailI generally support the positions and recommendations of the Flagstaff Biking Organization. Other Support the FBO's proposed plan 88


John Olson 11/14/2013 EmailImprovements to the hang glider site at the top of Mt. Elden is what it will take to get me flying there again. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 89

Greg Porter 11/14/2013 Email

There is an active hang gliding and paragliding community that launches from two primary areas at Elden. One launch is Southerly and the other faces East. Unfortunately the narrow launch chute between existing trees is treacherous and restricts our launch opportunities to a very specific and infrequent wind direction and speed. This prevents flying on many many days that the site would otherwise be usable for us, and introduces preventable risk even on flyable days. There are many pilots who would like to fly Mt Elden but choose not to because of their concerns about the safety of the current launch area configuration. I hope safety improvements for the hang gliding and paragliding launches can be part of the improvements on Mt Elden. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 90

Jonathan Wright 11/14/2013 Email

I am writing this letter in support of the Flagstaff Biking Organization and their efforts to create an improved system of trails from the Flagstaff Trail through the Shultz Creek “Y” and up in to the Dry Lake Hills. The Proposed Action from FBO is beneficial to all user groups of the Mount Elden recreation area, as well as to the management of the area by the National Forest Service. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 91

John Finch 11/13/2013 Email

I recommend relocating Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Ask for the US Forest Service to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements



I recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the ProposedAction along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area.



I recommend adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. This trail adds a lot of connectivity to the current trail system. New Trail Construction support of inlcuding red onion 92c


I support FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize userconflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction new trail idea 92d



I recommend maximizing opportunities for downhill trails by providing well-managed opportunities for this user group helps to minimize user conflicts, allows theconstruction of sustainable trails that can be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and is instrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 92e


I support FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. They have hiked this area extensively and their alignment would hopefully make for a much better trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement relocate lower brookbank 92f


I recommend adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. New Trail Construction support of adding social trails 92g


I support FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction new trail idea 92h


I support all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action! I understand most all new will be open to bicycles and will help disperse use and provide some great opportunities for hikers, trail runners and equestrians. New Trail Construction general support of new trails 92i


I support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with way-finding in this area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of the environmetnal area 92j


I support adding the ability for the Forest Service to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and user-experience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 92k

John Finch 11/13/2013 EmailI also support enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 92l

Rick Stanionis 11/13/2013 Email

I fully support additional opportunities for equestrian users, as shown in map 2. User conflicts between equestrian users and other user groups seem to be on the rise. Perhaps, new trails in the equestrian emphasis area could alleviate conflicts. I would even recommend that new trails in the equestrian emphasis area be restricted to horses and hikers only, with the exception of Little Elden trail being open to bikes as a necessary route in that area, to maintain trail connectivity for bikes. New Trail Construction

Map 2: Equestrian Emphasis Area - Proposed New Trails & Trailhead Support of equestrian trails 93a



The need for a consolidated trailhead/parking area for the West Elden rock climbing area is absolutely needed. The area is quite busy in the climbing season, and quite apparent in the trash and human waste left behind by irresponsible users. Additional parking spaces, say at most 10, I feel would be adequate. And considering this spot is also the junction of three system trails, I feel a concrete vault type toilet is absolutely necessary. I also support the consolidation of social trails around the climbing area into a comprehensive system to alleviate the visual mess that all the little paths create. Trailhead Improvements climbing access trailhead 93b


I fully support the expansion of the Mount Elden trailhead parking area. It’s a fantastic starting point for a number of trails. It has been inadequate for years, isusually over flowing with cars on busy days, and needs to be enlarged. Again a concrete vault type toilet is absolutely necessary. Trailhead Improvements mt. elden trailhead 93c


I’m aware and familiar with the recommendations of Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO for short), and am a big fan of their advocacy and cooperation on behalf of all trail users, not just bikes. Other

General support of FBO's proposed plan 93d


I agree with FBO that the Flagstaff Loop Trail should be aligned with the pipeline corridor, not with Forces of Nature and the other existing social trails in the area. The character of the Loop trail in other parts around Flagstaff more closely fits the terrain of the pipeline corridor

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 93e


The social trail known as Red Onion must be preserved and become part of the system. It is an important connector between Mount Elden Lookout road and the trail junction of Sunset and Little Bear, in an area where there are almost no opportunities to connect these two areas. And it is a beautiful trail that should be experienced. New Trail Construction Support of including red onion trail 93f


I want to see the preservation the the trail known as Jedi. This trail provides a riding experience for intermediate to advanced skilled bikers. And this trail is a beautiful hike as well. New Trail Construction keep jedi 93g

Rick Stanionis 11/13/2013 EmailI’m excited by, and support, the “Dry Lake Hills Loop Trail” as shown on map 3. New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops support of dry lakes loop 93h



I support the creation of the “Lower Brookbank reroute” as shown on map 3. It would be a good connector from a place known as the Overlook down to the current Lower Brookbank, in an area that already has a social trail known as Ginger However, I do not support the decommissioning of the current alignment of Lower Brookbank. The existing Lower Brookbank is a wonderful trail, for bikes and hikers, in a beautiful canyon. I really like it’s rugged character and occasional difficulty It certainly needs maintenance work, but I feel that it is not a unsustainable trail, and should be kept part of the system


Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops lower brookbank reroute 93i


I fully support the proposal for downhill specific mountain bike only trails on the north side of Mount Elden. The demand and need is increasingly apparent, as seen in existing user built trails (that are already highly used, demonstrating the demand), as well as user conflicts between downhill riders on trails where downhill riding style is inappropriate. The existing downhill trails could and should be built better in regards to wildlife, erosion, and environmental impact. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 93j


Upper Oldham trail should be decommissioned. It has become quite deteriorated, and wasn’t built originally to be long lasting sustainable. And, I believe its use is quite limited. Bikes can’t ride up it, which means uphill bikers use Elden Lookout road, which is a bad mix with cars on a narrow mountain road. None but the best of bikers can ride down it due to its difficulty and trail quality. It’s quite steep, and rugged, and has limited appeal to only the fittest of hikers. By looks of the proposed realignment of Upper Oldham, it seems to fix these issues, and I would like to see this happen.

Trail Relocation and Improvement Upper Oldham Trail 93k


I agree with FBO’s recommendation that there should be a trail to connect thelower part of Sunset to Lower Brookbank. In fact, a social trail in that area already exists, and could easily be improved and connected. This inclusion would really improve trail connectivity in that area, without having to drop in elevation only having to regain elevation, via using Little Gnarly. New Trail Construction new trail idea 93l


I must admit I do not support the decommissioning of the trailhead at Schultz Tank. I feel on peak weekends in the summer, and especially in the fall leaf peeping season, both trailheads are needed. Also, improvements to these parking areas wouldprovide venues for events such as running and mountain bike races I would really like to see improvement and slight expansion of the Schultz/Sunset trailhead. And judging by the amount of trash and human waste in the immediate are, a concrete vault toilet is needed. Trailhead Improvements

against decomissioning schultz creek trailhead 93m



As well, I really feel strongly the trailhead at the lower end of Schultz Creek needs improvement. Parking is a free for all on summer weekends, it’s common to see cars on a busy weekend parked in inappropriate places. And similar to the other high use trailheads, human waste is beoming something more than just a nuisance, it’s becoming a real health danger. Trailhead Improvements lower schultz creek trailhead 93n

Ian Settlemire 11/13/2013 EmailI would like to return again and having dedicated XC and downhill trails would be a great benefit for all riders. New Trail Construction support of downhill and XC trails 94

Chris CocalisPresident/CEO of Pivot Cycles 11/13/2013 Email

We are in support of and recommend relocating Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Ask for the US Forest Service to seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements

support of relocating schulz treahead to the Y 95a


We are in support of and recommend aligning the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area



We are in support of and recommend adding upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. New Trail Construction support of red onion trail 95c


We are in support of and recommend FBO’s recommended addition of a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction new trail idea 95d


We are in support of and recommend maximizing opportunities for downhill trails. Even if you are not a “downhiller”, providing well-managed opportunities for this use helps to minimize user conflicts, allows the construction of sustainable trails that canbe legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and is instrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 95e


We are in support of FBO’s recommendation to move lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east.

Trail Relocation and Improvement realign lower brookbank 95f


We are in support of and recommend adding Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. New Trail Construction keep ginger and jedi 95g


We are in support of FBO’s recommendation to add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction new trail idea 95h



We are in support of all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action! New Trail Construction support of new trails 95i


We are in support of the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunities for education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with way-finding in this area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of environmental area 95j


We are in support for the Forest Service having the ability to realign poorly aligned trails that are already part of the system as necessary to address erosion and userexperience concerns as stated in the Proposed Action.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 95k


We are in support of and highly recommend enhanced opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use events 95l


Have you considered working with Snow Bowl to provide a downhill park to take the shuttle traffic off of Mt. Elden and Schultz Pass Road? That way, you can decommission the many unauthorized downhill only trails impacting the natural resources and you wouldn't have to impact another sensitive area by building the downhill only trail on the south side of Mt. Elden. You can then close the gates at Schultz and Elden (still allowing tower maintenance workers to pass through) year-round to prevent further shuttling but still allow for the recreational enjoyment of all other users. The tread of the system trails will last much longer without the shuttlers who skid, make jump features, and dirt/rock/log packed banked turns that funnel water onto trails. There would also be less user conflict. Snow Bowl can provide parking, bathrooms, EMTs, an already developed site so no further natural resources are impacted. Snow Bowl could provide season passes, weekly passes, or daily passes. New Trail Construction against downhill trails 54g


How will you enforce no further unauthorized trail building? When the downhill trails were first being built and the question was asked “What can be done to get this under control?”, the most common answer was that the Forest Service doesn't have the man power or budget to effectively deal with the problem. Will this change? Other

enforcement of future unauthorized trails 54h


Does the proposed Dry Hills Loop and Brookbank reroute go through or encroach upon the private land on the top of Dry Lake Hills? New Trail Construction question about dry lakes loop 54i



Another concern is that the Brookbank reroute is not really a reroute. It isn't even in the same drainage. The objective listed for rerouting Brookbank is mitigate wildlife concerns, provide for a sustainable trail system and provide connectivity between Schulz Loop and Upper and Lower Oldham trails. The proposed “reroute” will still impact wildlife. The person/people proposing this route has said they have walked the area, but it seems like it will have the same sustainability problems or even have more problems then the to-be-decommissioned Brookbank. The proposed reroute doesn't meet FS policy for slope and the volcanic terrain will make it difficult to have a sustainable tread (Rocky Ridge has a problem holding soil even though it follows the contour so it has less slope to deal with). There are two problem areas on the existing Brookbank. The first one is below thelast switch back and the other at the top below where Upper Brookbank links in. The lower problem could be avoided by decommissioning Brookbank from the first switchback to the last switchback and then use the existing old wagon road that comes in from the west side (left going up). This old wagon road links back toBrookbank at the last switchback. The road may need a little work but mostly just down tree removal. The upper problem area could be fixed with a comparativelyshort reroute. The rest of the trail just needs a few rolling grade dips and some out sloping to get the water off of the trail before it can accumulate and causeerosion. Pros in keeping the current Brookbank are that you wouldn't have to impact another area, time and funds savings, and preventing further unauthorized trail building that would be New Trail Construction 54j


If new trails are approved, will unauthorized trails be decommissioned and will effort be put into fixing existing system trails before using funds to build new trails that aren't going to be easy to build due to steep slopes and the volcanic nature of Dry Lakes and Mt. Elden?

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning question on decommission trails 54k


Concern about Upper Oldham reroute: the proposed reroute links quite a few unauthorized trails. Again, will all of these unauthorized trails be decommissionedand will you be able to enforce it?


concern about upper Oldham reroute 54l



Concern: Special event permit holders should follow the permit rules and take there course markings down and pick up trash along the course. They should also remove staples left on the beautiful wood Forest Service signs. There is still flagging left behind from the last event held on Dry Lakes/Schultz. They shouldn't be issued a permit if they don't carefully police the course after an event. The course should be more spotless then when they started. Special-Use Trail Events

concern about special event permits 54m


Suggestion: To avoid user conflicts, it would be nice to have a dog walker/hiker/runner (no bikes) trail from the Schultz Creek Trailhead up into Dry Lake Hills without having to use the highly traveled Schultz Creek trail. A lot of people are already hiking/running these trails daily, but downhill bikers have been building features to try to ride the steep social trails. The social trails lasted for years until the downhill bikers tried to take them over. Could we make a system loop trail (incorporating the existing trails) closed to bicycles to provide an experience like you have on wilderness trails but close to town? There are a couple of areas that need work but the biggest improvement would be to sign it for no bikes (similar to Elden Lookout Trail) New Trail Construction support of non-biking trails 54n

Chris Antonovics 11/13/2013 Email

I believe that relocating the Schultz trail head to the "Y" Parcel at the Elden lookout road and Schultz pass road junction because this is what I personally use as the trail head and it is much easier to access as a 4 season trail head.


support of relocating Schultz creek trailhead to the Y 96a


I support aligning the flagstaff loop trail at the foot of mt Elden along the pipeline corridor rather than along the forces of nature trail. Also upper red onion is a very valuable trail to the entire trails system allowing a connector to little bear, sunset and upper brookbank without going the entire way up mt Elden lookout road to the top of sunset.



A Trail from the Schultz creek trail head to the newly proposed Dry lake hills loop would an alternative option from that trail head which will minimize traffic and user conflicts on the current trails. New Trail Construction new trail idea 96c


I support all types of cycling including "Downhilling" and feel that purpose built trails will help minimize user conflicts on other trails and create a safer environment by offering regularly maintained trails that do not have natural hazards on them such as downed trees. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 96d


I feel that FBO's alignment of lower brookbank would make for a better trail over the current proposedre-alignment.

Trail Relocation and Improvement lower brookbank 96e



Ginger and Jedi Trails are both trails that I frequently ride and feel that they are a great addition to thesystem as an advanced-expert level trail that is not otherwise available on the dry lake hills/Elden trailsystem, I also feel that a connector between the lower section of sunset to the top of lower brookbankwould add a lot of versatility and connectivity to the whole trail system. New Trail Construction add Jedi and ginger 96f


As a whole I support all of Flagstaff Biking organizations proposed actions for our forest and will stand behind what they propose to the forest service in order to maintain our amazing riding and otheractivities that brought me to this town! Other

general support of FBO's proposed plan 96g

Tim Rosenow 11/13/2013 Email

I would like to see, and would support, a measure to relocate and make improvements to the Schultz Creek Trailhead by moving it to the Y at the intersection of Schultz Creek Road 420 and Elden Lookout Road. Through the years, I’ve observed this area to be a primary, and ideal, location for the trailhead. Commonly used on a regular basis by myself as well as manyothers, by making this the primary trailhead, it would offer year round access to the Schultz Creekarea and the network of trails and recreational opportunities that lead from this point. My suggestion would be to perform this transition in stages, so as not to incur the full brunt of cost all at once; but to spread this out by staging necessary improvements such as grading, paving, expansion, and signage first and ending with the possibility of adding amenities such as a vault toilet or other type of restroom facility. Trailhead Improvements

move Schultz creek trailhead to the Y 97a

Tim Rosenow 11/13/2013 Email

I welcome these changes and improvements to network of trails that exist in the Mount Elden/DryLake Hills area and look forward to supporting, helping to improve, and utilizing these recreational opportunities. Other general support of MEDL 97b

Gill Couto 11/13/2013 EmailI want to express my support for the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Proposed Action. Other general support 98

Sheila Walsh 11/13/2013 Email

I totally agree with the proposed downhill single use trails for downhill biking and hiking. I think safety has to be foremost for these users and all users. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 99a

Sheila Walsh 11/13/2013 EmailI also understand and agree with the closing of trails that are no longer manageable, not safe and contributing to erosion.

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning support of decommissioning trails 99b

Sheila Walsh 11/13/2013 EmailI look forward to the signage alerting all users to trail status and safety, as we had discussed.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of increased signage 99c


Mark KnightSonoraWings.com 11/13/2013 Email

The Mount Elden hang glider launch area has for a long time needed grooming and minor improvements, just to make it a safer place to launch hang gliders. It would take very little work to improve this site. If we cut out some dead trees killed in a past forest fire. This would open up direction of launching directly into winds and improving the safety of the launch area. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 100a


More defined and stabilized trails would improve mountain biking effects on the trails. There are areasthat wash out when it rains and only get eroded more from mountain bikes. Simple culvert or drainageimprovements would make less impact from use. New Trail Construction support of new trail construction 100b


The Arizona Hang Glider And Paragliding Association would totally support a permit system to help maintain this site for environmental stability, safety and recreational use Other support of permitting 100c

Eric Marlatt 11/12/2013 EmailI'm really looking forward to the proposed improvements to the hang glider/paraglider site on Elden. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 101

Andrew Rayhill 11/12/2013 Email

As a pilot who has flown Mt Elden, I strongly support the proposition to improve the Hang Glider launch there. I would think that clearing some trees away would improve the usability and safety of the launch. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 102

Steve Konves 11/12/2013 Email

I’m a Flagstaff Paraglider pilot, and have been launching Elden for many years. It is my favorite local site. If we could have that type of launch on Elden, it would be very attractive. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 103

Anthony QuintileFlagstaff Biking Organization 11/12/2013 Email

I want to reiterate FBO's support for signage inkey locations to better explain how cyclists should interact with horses, and to highlight areas where folksare more likely to encounter equestrians. (This would include several points along or near the AZ Trailbelow Snowbowl…) Maybe FBO, CHA and the Flagstaff District could co-apply for a grant to fund this signage? Maybe RTP funds?

Trail Relocation and Improvement increased signage 104a

Sally Stults 11/12/2013 Email

At the same time, my fear is that a mentality might develop that Equestrians need to stay in these areas and not intrude on trail systems favored by Mountain Bikers. While an equestrian loop trail is a great thing, no one wants to become bored by continually riding over the same terrain for a limited distance when a horse and rider can easily cover more miles. New Trail Construction equestrian use in the project area 105a


At one point, I was told that the Forest Service could not afford to install triangular, yellow Yield signs in areas on trails on the East side of Mtn. Elden that are commonly used by fast moving ATVs and horses. Going forward, I hope the funds for this project will cover the cost to place these Yield signs in key areas of new and existing multi-user trails.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of increased signage 105b



CHA was also told that FS could not afford to install equestrian friendly gates in place of barb wire gates, which is an issue if the grazing lease were to continue on the East side of the Peaks. Will the grazing leaseever return to the area? Other horse friendly gates 105c


Wondering if funds been allocated in the MEDL project to cover repairs to the Horse Camp now necessary due to flooding in the area? Other repairs to horse camp 105d

Robert Cline 11/12/2013 Email

I support the Flagstaff Biking Organization position on Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills Recreation Plan. I enjoy purpose built single track trails to ride my Mountain Bike, FUTS type trails, downhill trails are all important. New Trail Construction

support of downhill trails and FBO's proposed plan 106

Dan Overton 11/11/2013 Email

Sean Murphy once told me the biggest mistake Gene Waldrip ever made when he was in charge at the Peaks, was to reward the illegal trail builders by adopting some of their illegally built trails into the system. I guess he has a short memory because you'd both be hard pressed to explain how this proposal isn't rewarding downhiller mountain bikers who have been a plague on Mt. Elden. They are already laughing at the idea of you closing some of their trails. They plan to agree to anything you offer them to get new downhill trails and then reestablish any trails you try to close down. Totally predictable. I don't know the name of the man who posts as Raising Arizona on MTBR and has been courting you and Sean, but he and Anthony have you all snookered. There will be people at next weeks meeting suggesting there will be a huge increase in traffic onElden Lookout Road. They don't know the half of it. There will be new shuttle vehicles with Absolute Bikes name on them as soon as the new downhill trailsget built. It'll be big business hauling hard-core thrill seekers to the top of Elden, so they can, as they say, shred the trails down the mountain. New Trail Construction against downhill trails 107a


The new Lower Brookbank Trail could be as special as Little Bear was to cross country riders. But there is talk amongst downhillers that they will ask for it to be steeper than a max of 7% grade. Please don't let them hijack what could be the only good thing to come out of this.

Trail Relocation and Improvement concern over lower brookbank 107b



One poster on MTBR mentioned theclass 4 trail you mentioned along the base of Elden, from Elden Lookout Trail to Elden Lookout Road. Now that I have spent a decade working to establish aperfect single track trail that you and Sean and I walked a bit of, and worked hard to maintain every inch of it from Sandy Seep Trail to Lower Oldham, I hopeit doesn't get turned into a paved beginner trail. Just run a trail along the gas pipeline for commuters, if you really have to have something to call a Loop Trail.Or stay below the pipeline as originally planned.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 107c


I do like the idea of building an equestrian trail that leads equestrians away from Little Elden and north to Timberline. Another option I have suggested inthe past is to make a dedicated trail for equestrians that parallels Little Elden. The equestrians have already roughed in a trail that is located between LittleElden and the road. It joins Little Elden a quarter mile before it meets Little Bear. Just keep the horse trail between Little Elden Trail and the road until youget up to Schultz Tank, except for a short connector that allows them to get onto Little Bear. The benefit is reduced conflicts and each year the entire month ofJune and parts of May and July, the equestrians turn Little Elden into powder and manure. This would give them a better experience and allow riders a firmtrail surface. New Trail Construction equestrian use in the project area 107d


At some point, you'll have to do something about Sandy Seep. I've tried everything I can to get Sean to dump a few truckloads of soil over the sand toget it to firm up and allow bikes to ride over it. Just dump soil there and maybe more soil on the cinders on the AZ Trail just across highway 89 as you descendto picture canyon. Volunteers can spread it over the trail and monsoon rains will do the rest of the work to firm up those loose sections. Other sandy seep 107e



I know, I know, you only want ideas for Dry Lake Hills. If it were me, I'd close the gates to everyone but people working on the towers. Screw downhillers whodestroy everything they touch. They know these new trails won't be sustainable. I think they are calling them maintainable instead. They (FBO and Anthony) will suck every volunteer day each year to do trail maintenance on their beat up downhill trails made legal by the FS. Five years from now they will probably go even further and ask or tell you they want motorized access in the area of the new trails. My feelings are you don't negotiate with terrorists, and you sure don't let them call the shots. Other

generally negative feelings towards the project 107f

Dan Overton 11/11/2013 EmailCan you get the new trail built out behind Buffalo Park next year? Think of it as a promise delayed, yet still kept. New Trail Construction trail behind buffalo park 107g

Ray Hemmele 11/11/2013 Email

I think improvements and new trails would be a great addition. I know the summer rains beat up many of the less sustainable trails and think re-alignment/re-routes would be very beneficial.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 107

Volkwear 11/11/2013 Email New trails are always good woot woot. Other general support 109

Tomas Robison 11/11/2013 Email

I support the trail plan proposed action given by Flagstaff Bicycle Organization (FBO) to the USFSlast year. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 110a


Red Onion. Which is an existing non-system trail that connects the western and eastern part of the trail system together. Red Onion is a vital connector that needs to be included in the plan. The trail basically runs from the intersection of Sunset and Little Bear and travels down to Mt. Elden Lookout road. Without it, the total riding experience is knocked down a notch. With it, trail users can better connect the Oldham and proposed DH trails in the MEDL proposal. New Trail Construction add red onion trail 110b


Jedi, which is an existing non-system trail that is good working order as it exists today. This connects the northwestern top of the DLH to Schultz creek, and avoids the old road/trail Little Gnarly. Many people (bikers and hikers) use this trail often and it provides a unique experience and views of the peaks. It travels through a pretty part of the dry lake hills and is a true trail, not a converted road. New Trail Construction add Jedi trail 110c


A new trail proposal called “Buck Rut” which connects the top the DLH southwest section down to the Schultz Creek trail near the intersection of trail connector to Ft. Valley trails. This challenging and fun trail would divert much downhill traffic off of the Schultz creek trail, lessing conflicts between trail users. This would connect with the proposed DLH loop trail. New Trail Construction Buck Rut trail 110d



Climb 3, an existing jeep road now mtb track that leads up parallel to the Sunset trail leaving from Schultz Pass. This track needs to be developed as a sustainable climb that helps divert user conflicts on the sunset trail. People moving uphill on Sunset have often been met with people coming down sunset fast on a bike. This road/trail would need sustainable sections created. New Trail Construction Develop Climb 3 Trail 110e


Ginger. This existing user created bike trail goes down from the viewpoint on the southeastern part of the DLH. This trail offers a challenging option for expert riders. As a hiking trail it offers great accessibility to the top of the DLH. New Trail Construction Add Ginger to the downhill trails 110f


Parking at the “Y”, makes this a four season parking area whereas the gate above closes. I ask that the USFS and the city create a great entrance to the DLH. Trailhead Improvements

move Schultz creek trailhead to the Y 110g

Tomas Robison 11/11/2013 EmailReroute Brookbank further east that is in the proposal. It makes more sense (not in the gully where ginger is located).

Trail Relocation and Improvement reroute brookbank 110h

Tomas Robison 11/11/2013 EmailFor the Flagstaff Loop Trail, have it follow closely to the gas pipeline rather than uphill where Rocky Ridge is located.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 110i


Work with FBO to establish a mountain bike specific trail crew who has expertise and knowledge about both bikes and trails. Work on creating a modern trail system that allows bikes and hikers. Horses can go anywhere. And allow the widespread use of volunteer care for our existing but poorly constructedsections of trails. Make them stop being water drains and erosion nightmares. Other develop a trail crew 110j

Tomas Robison 11/11/2013 EmailAllow the creation of downhill and one way trails for mountain bikers. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 110k

Tomas Robison 11/11/2013 Email Support guiding (bike & hike) to take place in the DLH. Other Allow guiding 110l

Jason Tullous 11/11/2013 Email

We love the area and would like to see continued improvement on the trail system specificallypurpose built trails. It's great to have a variety of different ability levels from cycling to hiking and for everyone from the elite level to my seven year old son. And specifically use the trails starting at Schultz Creek Y. Other general support of improved trails 111

Jason First

Over the Edge Sedona Bike Shop 11/10/2013 Email

I wanted to write you a letter in support of Flagstaff Biking Organization's proposals Other support of FBO's proposed plan 112a

Jason First


I am in big support of the purpose-built mountain bike trails that are on the planning table, especially for the "downhill" mountain bike category. I feel this is an important part of the trail system, it is a fast growing category of mountain biking, and it's a category that is under-served in Northern Arizona New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 112b


Jason First


I would very much like to see Ginger and Jedi trails adopted, they are fun trails already in place that are helping to serve this category. And, please consider the Red Onion connector trail - to provide an uphill option without having to ride Elden Rd all the way up alongside the car traffic. New Trail Construction add social trails 112c

Jason First


I also want to voice support of the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area, to have better signage and interpretive facilities

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements increased signage 112d

Jason First


I also support adding the ability for the FS to more easily realign poorly aligned trails that are eroding away. Being able to be more proactive will only add to the sustainability of these trails as the community grows.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support for realigning trails 112e

Jason First


I would like to see more opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events support for special use events 112f

Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom 11/9/2013 Email

Relocate Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trail head. Please seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage andprotect this property as open space and a trail head. Trailhead Improvements

move Schultz creek trailhead to the Y 113a


Align the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area.



Add a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. New Trail Construction new trail idea 113c


Maximize opportunities for downhill trails. Providing well-managed opportunities for this use helps to minimize user conflicts, allows the construction of sustainable trails that can be legally maintained minimizing environmental impacts, and is instrumental in introducing some new riders to mountain biking. New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 113d


Add Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. New Trail Construction add Jedi and ginger 113e


Add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. New Trail Construction new trail idea 113f

Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom 11/9/2013 EmailSupport all of the trail additions brought forth in the Proposed Action. New Trail Construction support of new trails 113g



Support the improvements to the Mount Elden Environmental Study Area. Better interpretive facilities and signage will not only enhance opportunitiesfor education as is the mission of this area, but will also help with way finding in this area.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of increased signage 113h



Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 113i

Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom 11/9/2013 EmailSupport enhanced and appropriate opportunities for permitted trail events, like bike races. Special-Use Trail Events support of special use trail events 113j


I strongly support the Lower Oldham Relocation and the improvement and reclassification of that section of the Loop Trail to a class 4 trail, however, I agree with FBO in the suggestion to align the eastern section with the Pipeline corridor instead of Forces of Nature

Trail Relocation and Improvement Lower Oldham relocation 113k


There are many Forest Access points with signage, signs asking trail users to respect private property, and interpretive signs in this area. There are very few navigational signs. I recommend adding information about trail names and navigation to the existing signs about forest access, rules, and interpretation. Hopefully this could offer a low cost way to direct residents to system trails. As a resident that hikes and bikes in this area I often have a hard time figuring out if I am on a user created social trail or a system trail since there are so few navigational signs.

Trail Relocation and Improvement increased signage 113l

Kitty Mitchell 11/7/2013 Email

I have complete confidence in the plans the Forest Service has proposed for the area. I believe they knowwhat is best for a mountain that has been loved to death for many years. I support whatever theydeem best for the environment and recreational opportunities in the Mt. Elden/Dry Lake HillsRecreation Planning project area. Other general support 114

David Unruh 11/3/2013 Email

Through well-maintained and designedtrails, erosion and degradation can be kept in check. For the most part, mountain bikers stay on the trail, and prefer to stop at designated areas along said trail. If these sorts of features were built, extensive off-trail traffic could be minimized. I hope this initiative passes, as I think a more extensive trail network would greatly benefit the local economy, the cycling community, and the National Forest. Other general support 115

B K 11/3/2013 Email Please protect the equestrian trails at. Mt Elden!! Other support of equestrian trails 116


Erik Kruse 11/1/2013 Email

I am writing to express my support of Flagstaff Biking Organization efforts to work with the Forest Service, the City of Flagstaff, and others to create and maintain sustainable singletrack mountain biking trails. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 117


We also strongly recommend that District seek the input of professionals such as IMBA Trail Solutions and Gravity Logic and trail users especially when implementing some of the more technically challenging downhill and all-mountain style trails. Consulting with professionals particularly on more specific aspects such as trail flow and the incorporation of challenging features will assure that these trails best address the qualitative needs of these riders. Other

seek professional help with eh downhill trails 104b


Where the District is choosing to convert road to single-track trail, in particular in coordination with the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, (FWPP), please bear in mind the fact that only closing one side of a two-track does not yield “single-track” trail. Better management strategies incorporate deviating trail tread from the road within corridor, moving large objects such as boulders into the obliterated roadbed, ripping and re-seeding. Please coordinate with the road construction personnel in advance of the construction of new roads as part of the FWPP to implement strategies that will lead to the best trails as part of the MEDL implementation later. For example, if imported materials are to be used in the roadbed, consider using the City of Flagstaff’s “FUTS Mix” rather than other looser gravels where the road will be converted to Flagstaff Loop Trail class 4 trail. 104c


Please recognize that this project’s success is extremely dependent upon the details inherent in recognizing and providing for an exceptionally diverse array of recreational needs, and that the details of those needs are difficult to express. Other general support 104d


It is important to recognize the substantial number of user-created and historic trails and routes that are part of the existing condition, and what these trails represent. (Most of these routes are shown in the maps accompanying the PA.) We understand that the any action the District takes will result in a net reduction in route mileage. We want to be sure that the District recognizes that this is a quantitative net loss in recreational opportunities as well as a substantial and quantitative reduction in environmental impact. Our hope is that this loss in quantity will be accompanied by a substantial qualitative improvement that will encourage users to eschew using and constructing unauthorized routes, leading to continued minimization of environmental impact as a result of the implementation of this planning.

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning concern over loss of trail mileage 104e



We strongly support the District citing the use of the Forest Service Trails Handbook Best Management Practices. We also strongly recommend that District seek the input of professionals such as IMBA Trail Solutions and Gravity Logic and trail users especially when implementing some of the more technically challenging downhill and all-mountain style trails. Consulting with professionals particularly on more specific aspects such as trail flow and the incorporation of challenging features will assure that these trails best address the qualitative needs of these riders New Trail Construction

seek IMBA assistance in trail building 104f


Where the District is choosing to convert road to single-track trail, in particular in coordination with the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, (FWPP), please bear in mind the fact that only closing one side of a two-track does not yield “single-track” trail. Better management strategies incorporate deviating trail tread from the road within corridor, moving large objects such as boulders into the obliterated roadbed, ripping and re-seeding. Please coordinate with the road construction personnel in advance of the construction of new roads as part of the FWPP to implement strategies that will lead to the best trails as part of the MEDL implementation later. For example, if imported materials are to be used in the roadbed, consider using the City of Flagstaff’s “FUTS Mix” rather than other looser gravels where the road will be converted to Flagstaff Loop Trail class 4 trail. We would like to be closely involved in the specific corridor layouts of most of these new trails. New Trail Construction trail construction specifics 104g


Equestrian Trail SystemWe support the need for this system. It is our understanding from conversations with our friends in the horseback riding community that opportunities for riding that minimize interaction with cyclists are better than riding on trails with lots of cyclists. Although we do not support this system being closed to bicycles, we feel that the location of these trails will organically lend itself to low levels of bicycle use. Its proximity to the Elden Springs Horse Camp and away from the multi-use Flagstaff Urban Trail System and other multi-use trailheads is ideal for these users. We also see this trail system as directly beneficial to cyclists seeking more remote opportunities for exploration of the mountain. (This does not imply that these trails would attract a substantial number of cyclists in any way, as this is a relatively small number of riders.)

New Trail Construction equestrian trials 104h



Providing ample opportunities for this use that are separate from the rest of the multi-use system will greatly alleviate user conflict concerns as these riders will be able to ride nearer their limits without potentially startling or colliding with other users. New Trail Construction downhill trails 104i


Please consider adding some additional routes within the general area proposed for downhill mountain bike trails. Additionally, and/or alternately, consider using wider corridors that would allow for multiple options along these trails. This approach could provide for multiple experiences with minimal impact, as well as provide options for various skill levels. New Trail Construction downhill trails 104j


Trail on south face of Mt. EldenThis is a great opportunity to help disperse hiking use onto an additional route and provide for a long day-hike option when combined with Elden Lookout Trail. Although we support this as a trail with a Designed Use for hiking, we do not think bicycles should be prohibited from using it, although perhaps bicycles should not be included as a Managed Use. Our observation is that the face of Elden is such that constraints in trail design alone would prevent most people from taking their bicycles on this trail, but should someone want to “hike-a-bike” and ride some of it, this should be allowed.

New Trail Construction south Elden trails 104k


West Elden Climbing Access TrailWell-managed recreation has fewer impacts to environmental resources. We support this.

New Trail Construction west Elden climbing access 104l


Scenic Loop TrailAlthough we fully support this as Designed Use for hiking, we think that mountain biking should be recognized as a Managed Use on this trail. The location of this trail and the “scenic” aspect of it would make for great exploration opportunities using the new alignment, as proposed, for Upper Oldham Trail and Sunset Trail. Additionally, part of this Loop would provide access to the downhill mountain bike trails. We recommend prominent signage advising riders that mountain bikes should yield to hikers and equestrians along the parts of the Scenic Loop Trail that would be used for access to the Downhill Mountain Bike Trails

New Trail Construction scenic loop trail 104m



Dry Lake Hills Trail System We strongly support this, as these loops were part of our proposal submitted during preliminary scoping. However our vision included additional routes that helped to address user conflict, additional needs and other changes to the Forest Service Trail System. We will discuss the need for those additions later in these comments.

New Trail Construction dry lake hills system 104n


Trail Relocation and ImprovementWe strongly support the need for reroutes in order to improve many of the existing system trails. We have helped to coordinate hundreds of hours of volunteer time to repair trails that are unsustainably built or aligned on old roadbeds just to see these trails decimated yet again by monsoon rains. As an example we have worked at least three times with the Forest Service trail crew on Lower Brookbank in the past decade. Currently that trail is badly rutted and covered in loose rock. The current alignment cannot be repaired in a permanent way because it was established on an ancient roadbed at an unsustainable grade. Trail maintenance is a normal part of any system regardless of how well trails are aligned and built, but many of the current MEDL System trails require an inordinate amount of maintenance because of their poor initial layout. We would like to be closely involved in the choosing of the realignment corridors for these trails. Trail Relocation and

Improvementgeneral support of trail relocation and improvement 104o



General Trail Signage We support this action, but we suggest that it could be expanded. The Red Rock District has implemented signage strategies that assist in route finding as well as “informing the public on current and proposed trail use restrictions.” These signs include area maps showing system trails in the immediate proximity. This strategy has been implemented in various other higher recreational use areas and adds a stronger sense to trail users that they are present on a managed system, which can help better achieve “increase(d) compliance and safe, sustainable use of system trails and decrease unauthorized trail construction.”We would also like to see more signage informing trail users of proper trail etiquette. We believe strongly that education and reinforcement of proper trail etiquette is one of the best tools to minimize user conflict issues. We have been surprised that many mountain bikers have never been properly educated on yielding to other trail users and yielding to uphill traffic, in spite of our efforts and the efforts of IMBA, the US Forest Service and others. Signs informing cyclists of areas of higher levels of equestrian use would also be helpful. Well-placed signs, at the top of long descending sections of trail for example, could improve trail user experiences for all.We would like all of this signage to be implemented in a manner that is not overly intrusive to the landscape. Trail Relocation and

Improvement support of increases signage 104p


Brookbank TrailAs may be apparent from our comments above, we strongly support the realignment of Brookbank Trail to improve sustainability and user satisfaction. We have a different recommendation than that shown on the map for the PA. (Please see our attached map.) We have hiked this area extensively and based upon our substantial history working with the Forest Service laying out and constructing trails, we ask that you strongly consider our proposal as it would place the trail in better soil, in better trees for a more desirable experience and address some substantial issues with rock outcroppings in the vicinity of this trail. Trail Relocation and

Improvementsupport of relocating brookbank trail 104q



Upper Oldham Trail This trail suffers from a significant lack of use and terrible erosion because of its poor alignment. Cyclists who wish to access the top of Sunset Trail are more apt to climb Elden Lookout Road than to hike-a-bike up Oldham, leading to potential for conflicts between people driving Elden Lookout Road and a less than desirable riding experience. Realigning this trail would make it useful for climbing or descending on a bicycle and we think far more palatable for the average hiker, trail runner or equestrian as well.Please note that there are minor differences between the alignment shown in the PA and what we are showing on our attached map. Extending the overall length of this trail will reduce the grade substantially, which will improve its sustainability and usefulness. Additionally, moving the alignment away from Elden Lookout Road as much as possible, especially on steeper slopes, will help to address the runoff from the road that has repeatedly damaged this trail in the past.Additionally we propose that this trail connect to Red Onion Trail, a user-created route that we are recommending for adoption onto the Forest Service system. We will discuss the need for this addition later in these comments. Trail Relocation and

Improvement upper Oldham trail 104r


Little Elden TrailSections of this trail were initially poorly aligned on existing fall-line roadbeds. We have looked at other solutions for these sections and can offer no other good solution besides realignment to single-track built on contour Trail Relocation and

Improvement little Elden trail 104s



Lower Oldham rail relocation/ lagsta Loop rail ( L ) ImprovementsWe are exceptionally enthusiastic about these changes to the trail system! Re-designating these trails as class 4 and improving their connectivity to the Flagstaff Urban Trail System, (FUTS), and Buffalo Park will be instrumental in highlighting the Flagstaff Loop Trail’s mission as a gateway between the City of Flagstaff’s FUTS and the Forest Service trail system. This trail will serve as a de facto part of the FUTS system because of its location and connectivity while at the same time providing access to the rest of the MEDL Trail System. This trail will serve beginner mountain bikers and kids, bike commuters, after work dog walkers, joggers as well as all of the usual Forest Service trail users.It is very important that the realignment of the Flagstaff Loop Trail along the base of Mt. Elden follow the basic corridor of the pipeline, although along contours rather than in a straight line, as shown in our attached maps. Re-designating the class 3 Forces of Nature Trail and the eastern section of the Pipeline Trail as Class 4 will substantially change the character of the Environmental Study Area. The location of these trails would also make rebuilding to a more developed trail classification virtually impossible. Many of our members value the current, more rugged characteristics of these trails. Moving the FLT along with the re-designation as class 4 as we are suggesting would better address the need for a “neighborhood trail” since it is closer to the City. Keeping the more traditional class 3 designation of Forces of Nature and Pipeline Trails in conjunction with this new class 4 trail will provide for a more diverse array of recreational options.It is our understanding that the alignment for this section is shown

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 104t


Consolidate Schultz Tanks and Sunset TrailheadsAlthough these trailheads are located very close to each other, they serve very different purposes. Many people park at Schultz Tank to hike Weatherford Trail. Parking at Sunset Trailhead would add another mile to an out-and-back hike on Weatherford. With that in mind, it may make sense to add a connector trail from Schultz Pass Road and Secret Trail across to Weatherford Trail to shortcut this access. We recognize that technically this trail would fall outside the geographic scope of the PA. This trailhead should have good signage informing cyclists descending Little Elden and riding Sunset Trail that the trails in this area are more apt to have equestrian traffic than other trails on the system. Please consider the feasibility of adding a pit toilet to this trailhead.

Trailhead ImprovementsSchultz pass trailhead connector trail 104u



Relocate Little Elden Trailhead; West Elden Trailhead; Elden Scenic Trailhead; Elden Lookout Trailhead expansionWe support all of these as necessary improvements. Please see comments above regarding signage for trail etiquette. This is especially important for the Elden Scenic Trailhead as it will serve as a staging area for the downhill mountain bike trails and cyclists riding Sunset Trail.

Trailhead Improvements trailhead improvements 104v


Special-Use trail events Our strongest concern regarding special-use events is that an adequate number of options for routes is offered. Most mountain bike events require routes for varying race categories. Events usually require loops so that participants are not running into one another. Some of our recommended additional trails below will be helpful in providing for special-use events while providing alternative routes to minimize conflict for other users during events.Please consider allowing the use of the downhill mountain bike trails for special-use events.Any limits on seasonal use, specifically the limiting of events in June and July for fire danger, should be guidelines and not hard restrictions. Similarly, limiting to one event per month and 4-6 events per year should also be a guideline. Allowing for more events may be appropriate based upon the size and impact of any given event. Also, please do not prohibit staging events on Forest Service land, although limits may be appropriate.

Special-Use Trail Events support of special use trails events 104w


Mount Elden Environmental Study Area improvementsWe strongly support better management for the ESA as the value of this area as an educational tool has suffered because of the lack of signage and interpretive improvements. Better alignment of many sections of these trails will make them more apparently part of a trail system and discourage users from finding their own way leading to more unauthorized trails. Please consider adding some of the user-created routes in this area and adjacent to this area to address the demand for additional access that is expressed by the proliferation of routes in this area. An expanded and better-signed trail system will help to reduce the continued expansion of user-created routes.“Through-routes” in the ESA should be signed so that cyclists seeking to use trails to make longer rides will be directed to the best routes


support of the environmental area improvement 104x



Unauthorized trail and road decommissioning

We support this action as part of a comprehensive plan that establishes an adequate quantity of trails with a diverse range of experience and challenge. Please note our recommended additions to the trail system below. We view these additions as vital and necessary to appropriately addressing the recreational needs for the foreseeable future. Recreational demand and population will continue to grow in the Flagstaff area. Decommissioning of non-system routes will not be effective if not accompanied by proper provision for system routes. The lack of enough trails will compound user conflict issues and can foster discontent amongst some trail users leading to substantial proliferation of unauthorized construction.Please implement trail and road decommissioning after the construction of new routes that are meant to address the demand currently being met by the user-created or historic routes.Additionally please consider managing administrative roads as routes for non-motorized access. Although these roads do not substitute for the experience provided by well-built trails, they can provide access to interesting places in the Forest and some variety when tied together with other trails. Unauthorized Trail and Road

Decommissioning trail and road decommissioning 104y


Hang Glider Launch SiteWell-managed recreation has fewer impacts to environmental resources. We support this

Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 104z


• Please work with the City of Flagstaff to relocate Schultz Creek Trail Head to the “Schultz ‘Y’” City Parcel, thereby providing a 4-season accessible trailhead. Seek an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Flagstaff to manage and protect this property as open space and a trailhead. As was evidenced by attendance at the October 28th, 2013, Flagstaff City Council meeting, there is very strong public support for this action. Please note that several very important trails intersect at this location: the Arizona National Scenic Trail, the Flagstaff Loop Trail, the Flagstaff Urban Trail System and Schultz Creek Trail. There may be opportunities to cooperatively manage this area with a trailhead with pit toilets, an interpretive loop trail highlighting environmental and historic features in the area, a mountain bike skills area and/or event staging facilities. We have sent a letter to the City requesting that they partner with the Forest Service. Trailhead Improvements

move Schultz creek trailhead to the Y 104aa



• Add a trail between the Schultz Creek Trail Head and the newly proposed Dry Lake Hills Loop. This will add an alternative to both Schultz Creek Trail and Rocky Ridge Trail to help disperse use and minimize user conflicts as well as maximizing the “stacked-loops” concept in the Dry Lake Hills. Additionally, as changes are made to Rocky Ridge trail per its class 3 designation as part of the Arizona Trail and Flagstaff Loop Trail, this trail will serve to replace the challenge opportunity formerly provided by Rocky Ridge. Please note that this trail would serve to replace multiple user created routes in this area, resulting in a net reduction of any environmental impacts. (#1 on our attached map) New Trail Construction add a connector trail 104bb


• Move Lower Brookbank Trail from its currently proposed re-alignment to the east. We have hiked this area extensively and our alignment would make for a much better trail. (See above Comments on the components of the Proposed Action.) (#2 on our attached map)

Trail Relocation and Improvement lower brookbank relocation 104cc


• Add upper Red Onion trail into the system in the Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Red Onion is a vital connection to the MEDL trail system as it shortcuts the need to climb all the way to the top of Mt Elden to make loops. With the realignment of Upper Oldham, this connection becomes even more valuable. Red Onion is one of the oldest non-system trails in the MEDL area and has a very large amount of support amongst all trail users. Note that Red Onion would need connection across Elden LO Road to Upper Oldham. (#3 on our attached map) New Trail Construction add red onion trail 104dd


• Add Ginger and Jedi Trails to the system. These trails provide an intermediate to advanced experience that is otherwise not available on the system. These trails appeal to a diverse array of riders as they are not built to the same degree of challenge as the downhill mountain bike trails. The Red Rock District has recently incorporated several trails with a similar degree of challenge, (Highline and Hangover for example), which has helped to address this demand in that area. Adding these two trails while eliminating other user created routes nearby will result in a net reduction in impacts in these areas. (#4 and #5 respectively on our attached map) New Trail Construction add ginger and Jedi 104ee



• Add a trail connecting the lower section of Sunset Trail to the top of Lower Brookbank to add further connectivity and versatility to the trail system. When coupled with the Dry Lake Hills Loops and the trail connecting from the DLH Loops to Schultz Creek Trailhead, this will provide an alternative to Schultz Creek Trail which will help to alleviate user conflict issues that continue to grow on Schultz Creek because of its popularity. Although Little Gnarly is a fine route, it is not single-track, it is an exceptionally challenging climb and it connects from a different place from this suggested trail. This trail travels through an area that has several old roads that are frequently used by cyclists. This route would be a better experience than those roads and provide access to this part of the Forest, potentially allowing for a net replacement should these old roads be decommissioned. (#6 on our attached map) New Trail Construction add a connector trail 104ff


• Align the re-designated Class 4 Flagstaff Loop Trail along the foot of Mount Elden on contours along the Pipeline corridor rather than where it is shown in the Proposed Action along Forces of Nature and other trails in the Environmental Study Area (the current FLT alignment). This will minimize impacts to the ESA and is a more appropriate placement for this trail type at the Forest-Community interface. (See above Comments on the components of the Proposed Action.) (#7 on our attached map)

Trail Relocation and Improvement Flagstaff loop trail 104gg


• The Doney Park Multi-modal study completed in 2011 recommends a FUTS type extension from the end of the FUTS at Snowflake, across Forest Service land to the intersection of Townsend-Winona Road. The analysis for this folds perfectly into the MEDL planning. (#8 on our attached map) New Trail Construction more FUTS trails 104hh


Please refer to our attached maps. Pink lines on the map are trails that we are recommending adding to or changing from the Proposed Action. Yellow lines are existing trails that we support decommissioning if appropriate additions are made. Red are trails that we proposed in preliminary scoping that did make it into the Proposed Action. Blue are downhill trails that we proposed in preliminary scoping that did make it into the proposed action. Numbers on the map correspond to the list below. Other Attached maps 104ii

Dennis Roostam 11/18/2013 Comment SheetI am a hiker and like the solitude, I understand the urban interface, + hope the privacy of people near the proposed trails is considered. Other concern over quality of use 118a

Dennis Roostam 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

Do we really want to bring more people to this area. More people will come no matter what, some large scale plan is needed to protect environment + wildlife. Other

concern over the environmental impacts 118b


Dennis Roostam 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

Peace and Quiet is missing. Like the idea of class 3 trails. Keeping speeding mountain bikers to a minimum. Like the large idea of higher trails. Parking? Other general concern 118c

Mike Stoddarn 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I would ot want to see a class 4 or class 5 trails created behind the shadow mtn area. There are plenty of trails that can be used for a variety y of users. Trails that are "too" bifford or manicured take away from what the forest or forest experience should provide. if one wants a urban trail, then use the city urban trail. if possible maintain the trail (existing) would be my preference. all in all would not want a bullizor, with rare trails gravel, or culvert establish in these trail systems. if possible maintain the "single track" type trail that can be recreated by a variety of folks. who is the trail created for, is the questions? locals would be happy with the existing trails, but if the idea is to attract folk then the happy medium is to make the commuter trail as far away from the houses. we enjoy the rougher trails, the forest experience. There is lots and lots of wildlife to consider. there is no need to have the highly paved trials. the rougher trails are fine. and can attract a variety of people as well. New Trail Construction concern over new trails 118d

Kent Sherman 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

No. I would rather see new trails established in other areas of the San Francisco peaks area. (north side, Kachina Peaks Wilderness) than rerouting existing trails. Other

focus efforts in other areas than MEDL 119a

Kent Sherman 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

Over 30 years using trail system around buffalo Park, and gas pipeline, Oldham trail areas. I do not have a problem with proposed new trails. My main concern is dogs off leash that create safety and diminished wildlife issues. Since there is a leash law, I would like to see funds that would be spent decommissioning existing and social trails, redirected toward enforcement of leash laws. we have been bitten, threatened, startled by dogs off leash. Other concern over dogs off leash 119b

Kent Sherman 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetwe have definitely seen a reduction in wildlife viewing in the last 30 years Other reduction in wildlife viewing 119c

Linda Sherman 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I disagree with decommissioning historical trails- they are a part of our heritage. Social trails that have formed can be closed, but I think people will continue to hike where they want, so there will be even more trails if you create new ones.

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning against decommissioning trails 50d


Benefits seem good for the downhill mountain bikers, but not so much for hikers and runners. I'm sure the equestrian people will be happy. How about some trails restricted to foot traffic? Other general support 50e



what is missing is enforcement of the leash laws! Dogs off leash are hard on the wildlife and are a nuisance to other hikers and runners. I've been nipped, tripped, and threatened by dogs off leash. I've seen dogs on leash attacked by off leash dogs. It is a safety issue and detracts from the enjoyment of the trails. I'd like to see some of the money go to increased leash law enforcement. Hang Glider Launch Site leash law enforcement 50f

Steve Konves 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet Additional launch directions would really be great Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 120a

Steve Konves 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetmake a S.E. S and West launch with limited extraction of tress. Could we install a wind talker? Hang Glider Launch Site launch site suggestions 120b

Scout C- Witulson 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

Year long access would be nice. Gate with gate code- perhaps a camping area, similar to Mingus mountain. Add a west launch to accommodate weather conditions. Maybe a weather station for pilots to monitor and analyze flying conditions. Hang Glider Launch Site launch site suggestions 121

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

FBO has a better plan but I like that the forest service has incorporated a lot of recreation uses. 1)red onion 2) Jedi 3) climb 3 connection 4) new trail from DLH loop proposal to connect to Schultz creek 4)ginger 5)establish a trail crew trail fund 6) follow other communities with successful programs/rails Other Support for FBO's plan 122

Thomas Robison 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I support the Flagstaff Biking Organization plan given to you by Anthony Q. In addition, make trail care a priority for this district. Most of our trails stand neglected and under maintained. Other Support for FBO's plan 110m

James McFadden 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I believe the concepts proposed are excellent and will improve recreational activates and safety for equestrians, bikers, and hikers. I really like the b buffalo park trail Other general support 123

mark Haughwout 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

Some of the best trails are 'social trails" (such as dogfood/Jedi/lost burrito). I would hate to see these trails closed. I would like to see the forest service have a designation for social trails that would allow them to remain, but not be designated for complete forest service maintenance. allowing them to be user maintained system trails. maybe something like an "adopt-a - trail" program where trained volunteers would adopt a trail to maintain/fix it. New Trail Construction support of including social trails 124a

mark Haughwout 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

the main improvement will be making upper Oldham and lower brookbank trails rideable in both directions. Uphill travel is currently impossible on both trails.


support of improving upper Oldham and lower brookbank 124b

J M Fall 11/18/2013 Comment SheetI support eh whole concept. Especially the AZ trail improvement at buffalo park. 125

Ray 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet yes Other general support 126Lucinda Tephan 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet Yes other general support 127

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetcurrent signage is patchy and mostly unreadable. This is fine for folks who use the trails often, but visitors may become confused.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of increase signage 128



love the idea of new trails. Designating a few trails for downhill seems like a good idea to reduce user conflict. Also happy with realignments for environmental protection.

Trail Relocation and Improvement general support 129

Bob Brunswick 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

any improvements at the Y include a restroom of some kind? Restroom at Elden lookout trail. Better display maps of trials at the trailhead Trailhead Improvements support of trailhead improvements 130


Put the majority of development/funding toward the trails, not so much toward the trailhead development i.e. no trash service, only pit toilets at the most developed trail heads. (fat mans, Schultz creek) no pavement, simple signage. Other money towards trails not trailheads 131a

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetwould be nive to eliminate unauthorized trails or at least have more signage for official trails to avoid confusion

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning unauthorized trails 131b

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetmore signage and unauthorized trail closure would enhance one's outdoor experience and prevent one from getting lost

Trail Relocation and Improvement increased signage 132a

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment SheetLimiting events with prevent overuse and abuse of trails and trailheads Special-Use Trail Events against special use permits 132b

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet yesTrail Relocation and Improvement

support of flagstaff loop/lower oldhamn/scenic loop 133

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet yes, more trails New Trail Constructionsupport of equestrian emphasis area 134

BJ Boylie 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

Please consider a southeast launch as well as a West laugh. Only a few dead trees would be need to improve the site. The pilots are in full support of any improvements considered and appreciate the ability to comment. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 135

Scout Warren 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetadd a west, south, and southeast launch for paragliding/hang gliding Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 136

Jerome naleski 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I am in favor and support of the FBO trail addition, realignment, and or moving of trails. I would like the system to be able to expand. See attached copy of FBO's proposed map. Other support of FBO's proposed plan 35n

Mark Knight 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

If additional directions to launching, hang gliders, it would make the mountain safer and more useful. Hang gliding is restricted by wind direction. By opening more directions, Mount Elden would be less risky and promote a safe hang gliding area. remove some dead trees at the current launch site to promote safety. Improving the parking and access paths would put less impact on the area. Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 100d


great to provide a south trail. Benefit will be more accessible to "avg" or "beg" mtn bikers. Nice to have some cat 3 stuff that is scenic. Will need to think how to make sure increased traffic in the area is managed. Parking, no negative impacts on adjacent neighborhoods. signage. don't want S + R to be too busy. New Trail Construction support of south trail 137

Jeff Martin 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet more trails, better access, improved signage Other general support 138


Tim Varner 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I believe people will continue to use unauthorized trails and create new ones. One of the greatest impacts I have noticed over he years has been from people not cleaning up aftr their dogs. Other general concerns 139

Michael Varderberg 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

there could be some greater emphasis put on the downhill "or fall line" trail system that is proposed. Namely there could be more trail miles to accommodate the users. More downhill trails. I think it is important to have these built in the most sustainable manner w/the USFS. New Trail Construction

support of downhill trail construction 140

Theodore Beeur 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I would advocate for the FBO recommended changes. 1) realign along the base of Mt. Elden (forces of nature) 2) don't move brookbank quiet so far west 3)a Schultz connector (lost burrito?) Other support of FBO's proposed plan 141a

Theodore Beeur 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetplease make sure the horse trailer parking is pull through as illustrated Trailhead Improvements horse trailer parking 141b

Kyle Doherty 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

currently there are numerous technical trails coming off the dry lakes hills. These trails are a critical resource for the group of cyclists who aren't full on downhillers, but value technical climbs and technical descents. In particular, the ginger trail is a unique riding experience and could be improved, if adopted. preserving multiple descents off of the dry lakes hills will serve to diffuse traffic on the mountain. in particular these options would provide users with many loops that start and end on the south side of the dry lakes, diverting traffic from the over-crowded Schultz trail. please preserve the ginger trail and keep it distinct from the lower brookbank re-route. 142

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetmore trails for biking and to help eliminate unauthorized trails caused by mountain biking New Trail Construction support of new trail construction 143

Burcham Hale 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet benefit is safer launches for hang gliders Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 144

kevin Olcon 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I strongly support FBOs proposals. I feel more trails and loops will open up more room for more tails users, and a more enjoyable experience for all users groups. I especially feel red onion trail is essential for this. New Trail Construction

support of FBO proposal and keeping red onion trail 145

karne Malis-Clark 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetgood to see future investment in Elden ESA. Flagstaff folks have been wondering about condition of the ESA Trails.

Mount Elden Environmental Study Area (ESA) Improvements support of improvements to ESA 146

Joanne Keene 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I would like to see the flagstaff loop trail connecter higher up on the trails after it leaves the pipeline. As a resident who lives off the pipeline I am concerned about a class 4 trail so close to homes (100 yards of our gate) please consider a trail that is higher up or consider a less wide trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 147a

Joanne Keene 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

support the brookbank reroute and extending the loop trails. Concern is the type of trail connecting the pipeline to forces of nature .

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of brookbank reroute 147b


John comer 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetwould really like to see some of the unsustainable downhill mtb trails decommissioned

Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning decommission some mtb trails 148a

John comer 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

a little concerned about increased traffic on flagstaff loop trail near Appalachian road out house is barely 100 yards from the proposed trail. There a re two parallel trails farther up Elden that I would request to be considered instead.

Trail Relocation and Improvement concern over flagstaff loop trail 148b

John comer 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetif red onion could be made sustainable id like it to be kept in the trails system. New Trail Construction keep red onion 148c

John comer 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetvery excited able loer brookbank reroute. New trail to dry lakes from bottom of lower Oldham sounds great, can it be bikable?


support of lower brookbank reroute. 148d

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet Keep "red onion" and "Jedi/ken-I" New Trail Construction keep red onion and Jedi 149

Jim Gibson 11/18/2013 Comment SheetI'd like all existing trials in the are kept, perhaps improved, i.e. red onion. Only concern is losing trails in important areas. New Trail Construction keep red onion 150a

Charlie bendy 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

turning the section of the loop trail at the base of Mt. Elden into a FUTS quality trail through fare feels like overkill. I know that it is heavily used, but it would be nice to maintain the feel of being out in nature. A FUTS type trail doesn't feel like nature.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 151a

Charlie bendly 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

many of the social trails exist for a reason. They often provide connections that are otherwise missing. Red onion is an example. Please consult the proposal presented by FBO. New Trail Construction support of including social trails 151b

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment SheetBrookbank trail definitely need a re-route, good thinking. I like that brookbank will take traffic off Elden LO road.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of brookbank reroute 152


please don't decommission red onion it is a great connector trail and ill be important on the brookbank re-route to connect to little bear and make brookbank a loop. New Trail Construction include red onion 153

Cathy Steers 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetyes it improves current trails and adds significant millage which is more rideable/hike able. Other general support 154

Lionel Martiez 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetmore signage and educational literature to inform the public about the trails being multi purpose Other general support 155

James Brootes 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

please leave forces of nature as is. We want on contour FUTs trail connecting west flag to east flag in the sunny portion of south Elden. Us pipeline and add on contour traverse to accomplish but leave forces of nature as is.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 156


I would rather see weatherford trail re-routed and improved or upper oldhamn re-routed and improved. Constructing and entire trail, rather than refurbishing well-used trails seems like a waste of resources. Other improvements seem very beneficial to the trail system as a whole. New Trail Construction against south Elden trail 157

James Brooks 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

please adopt red onion. It is fantastic access to sunset/ l/ bear trails w/o going all the way up/ please adopt pickle and ginger for various ride routes across and off of dry lakes hills. Please adopt Jedi into the system. what is missing is A true perimeter trail around dry lake hills as close to the ridge as possible. New Trail Construction keep social trails 158


Kip Moyer 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

leave forces of nature and the trails that connect to the Elden lookout trail the way they area currently and build a class 4 trail on contour that connects from buffalo park and loop trail over to Elden lookout trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement flagstaff loop trail 48h

anonymous 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetabsorb pickle, ginger, and Jedi into the plan. But leave their essence. (i.e. ramps, logs, jumps, etc. ) New Trail Construction include social trails 159

Jim Gibson 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

please do not take away forces of nature for FUTS. I support FUTS wholeheartedly, but want it done to preserve existing trails at the base of Elden.

Trail Relocation and Improvement keep forces of nature 150b

steven gibson 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet yes downhilling is a huge recreational need in flagstaff New Trail Construction support of downhill trails 160

Jim gibson 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetjust would like to see more downhill trails, so important for our community New Trail Construction support of more down hill trails 150c

Joe Armstrong 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetworried about people flying up and down Elden Lookout rd., both paved and dirt. Recommend drainage dips and speed hump. Other Elden Lookout road 161a

chuck Brunz 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

red onion- we really need it. Many people can manage riding all the way up to the top and have to ride down hobbit down. Please add red onion New Trail Construction keep red onion 162a

chuck Brunz 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetconnector from sunset to little bear. The would create multiple loop options. New Trail Construction connector trail 162b

Cori Morse 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetmissing and intermediate to advanced non-technical uphill trail to avoid hiker/biker/vehicle traffic up and down Elden lookout road. New Trail Construction new trial idea 163

Joe Armstrong 11/18/2013 Comment SheetElden lookout road needs attention so that people will respect the speed limits. Its narrow and currently people fly up and down. Other concern over Elden lookout road 161b


expand the dry lake hills loop to connect into ginger and Jedi. Adopt Jedi and ginger. Connect dry lakes hill sloop to new trail on south face. add a trail that starts at Schultz creek trailhead and rockey ridge intersection and connect it via south face of dry lake hills loop. This will add more multi-use options to access dry lake hills New Trail Construction dry lake hills loop 48i


please adopt pickle and make a system trail. Adopt red onion to improve access to trail system. Adopt wasabi as system trial for DH or multi-purpose use. Add a trail connecting sunset to upper brookbank. When adopting social trails it would be good to improve and make them more sustainable. New Trail Construction suggestions on new trails to add 48j

Patrick Kell 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I suggest that the downhill trails are professional designed and build with professional oversight. I recommend that downhill trails are built predominately using advanced rock armoring techniques to ensure long term safety and sustainability. New Trail Construction downhill trails 164

Jim Gibson 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetwould like to see all existing trails kept/improved. Jedi, ginger, red onion, and pickle. New Trail Construction keep existing trails 150d


Jim Gibson 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetplease improved the hart trail. Re-route so that bikes can use it. It's in a great location and would connect a number of possible loops.

Trail Relocation and Improvement improve hart trail 140e

Jeremy Morse 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I think having some additional trails (or re-alignments) that offer improved uphill biking alternatives to the Elden lookout road are drastically needed. If the proposed trail along Elden (devils head) is built with a moderate grade, as well a moderate technical level it would add new loop opportunities, as well as reduce shuttle traffic on the road. if it is too technical, it will become another area of user conflict.

Trail Relocation and Improvement new trail ideas 6j

Jeremy Morse 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet dedicated user specific trails. Other user specific trails 6k

Jennifer Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I support efforts to realign the north facing trail from Buffalo Park. It is steep and rocky and muddy; definitely not for kids or intermediate riders. Like plan to realign pipeline trail.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of realigning trails 164a


Please focus on well-built trails that don't need constant maintenance. Lower Oldham north of pipeline needs some rerouting. It is very eroded in sections. Add in a trail through forest that parallels pipeline trail to west. Current alignment is heavily ridden and a decent trail in most places.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of re-alignment of trails 164b


would like to see small network of trials in a read north of Appalachian/skyline. This area is heavily used by dog owners/hikers who may not be interested in passing through but only doing a little loop through the forest. New Trail Construction new trail ideas 164c

chuck Brunz 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

what always is a problem is connecting between trails. If we could create more loops of different length for MTB, equestrian, hikers, etc. the area would be so much better. New Trail Construction more loop trails 162c

Jennifer Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetless confusion at sunset/Schultz trailheads/ excellent idea to combine them. Trailhead Improvements

support of combing Schultz trailheads 164d

Mark Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

there could be more small well placed connector trails for shorter "dog walking" type hikes. The mainly biking trails are only a couple going east and west. These should become real trails and made less likely to erode. . New Trail Construction more connector trails 165a

Mark Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

The upper trails such as sunset and green onion need work before they grow even wider. I know that the section of sunset below the ridge, known as the Hobbit forest is popular with a few riders, but there should be a more ridable and walkable alternate route

Trail Relocation and Improvement improve social trails 165b

Mark Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment Sheetthere need to be better signage, but I recognize the problems with vandalism so I support efforts towards improvements.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of increased signage 165c


Would like to suggest an alternate route to current alignment of sunset through Hobbit forest (between Little Beer junction and heart trail junction). Current trail requires extensive dismounting and walking of bikes due to extreme riding conditions. Would like less technical route from ridge to Little Bear Junction.

Trail Relocation and Improvement alternate route suggestion 164e


Jennifer Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet Let's focus on building/realigning trails that are "self-maintain" Trail Relocation and Improvement support of improving trails 164f

Jennifer Spinti 11/18/2013 Comment SheetVery happy with the plan to realign brookbank. It is unridable at the moment due to erosion.

Trail Relocation and Improvement support of re-aligning brookbank 164g


I'm also pleased with the upper Oldham realignment, especially if the grade makes it ridable, right now its only suitable for downhillers who are crazy.


support of upper Oldham realignment 164h

Jim McGeorge 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet all signage and education will need to be upgraded. Trail Relocation and Improvement increased signage 166a

Jim McGeorge 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet this will require even more parking space than the plan provides. Trailhead Improvements more parking 166b

Jim McGeorge 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet Decommission of all social trails Unauthorized Trail and Road Decommissioning decommission social trails 166c

Jim McGeorge 11/18/2013 Comment Sheettrail patrol of all users with additional users will be very important. Uses will need additional funding for this and trail maintenance. Other concerned over patrolling of trails 166e

Marty Lee 11/18/2013 Comment Sheet

I assume use will increase as a result of publicity, etc. more strain on resources, need additional funding, trail patrols, etc. impacts will increase. r Other concern of over use 167a

Marty Lee 11/18/2013 Comment SheetI am pleased to see the expansion of equestrian opportunities and some consideration of parking area. New Trail Construction support of equestrian trails 166b

John Paul Roccaforte 12/6/2013 Email

my main concern with the project have to with the potential for redundant rails in the project area. I do not see the need for additional trails where there are existing trails which are sufficient. Specifically, I am referring to the are of proposed trail shown on Map 6 which is southwest of the existing pipeline trail. as it is currently drawn on the map, it appears that the propose trail diverges from the pipeline trail before it should in my opinion. I feel that it would make more sense to use the existing pipeline trail as the flagstaff loop trail until the pipeline trail gets too steep, about 1/4 -1/3 of a mile further to the northwest than is currently shown o the map. this would save money and materials, and would avoid an additional scar on the landscape. In, addition it would avoid having the trail run close to the houses on East Appalachian Rd. which could be a potential safety concern for residents. I can understand having the trail diverge where the pipeline trail gets to steep, but wanted to express my concerns about the existing location.


Map 6: Proposed New Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail Improvement/Reclassification, and Realignment of Lower Oldham

concern over the pipeline trail location 167

Chris Weigel 11/16/2013 Email

it is my sincere hope that safety improvements for the hang gliding and paragliding launches can be part of the improvement on Mt. Elden Hang Glider Launch Site support of hang glider launch site 168

Joe shannon 11/23/0213 EmailPlease define the management relationship between the revised forest plan, watershed project and this recreational plan. Other concern over forest plans 169a

Joe shannon 11/23/0213 Emailhow will enforcement of the plan and preventing illegal trail building be handled? Other

concern over enforcing building of illegal trails 169b


Joe shannon 11/23/0213 Emailreducing access, particularly the downhill shuttles, will promote the non-motorized recreational aspect of the current forest plan. Other minimize motorized use 169c

Joe shannon 11/23/0213 Email

place a year round locked gate at the 'climbers parking lot' that only via permit can be opened for events or service personnel. This will eliminate the need for the upper trailhead/parking/gate and new trails around turkey park. New Trail Construction against climbing access 169d

Joe shannon 11/23/0213 Emailplease consider eliminating parking at the current Y location- both national forest and city of Flagstaff. Trailhead Improvements decommission Y parking 169e

Joe shannon 11/23/0213 EmailDecommission and rehab the Schultz Creek Trail- it is one of the few remaining water sources on the peaks. Other decommission Schultz creek trail 169f


create a concessioner campground and 70-vehicle parking lot on 164B which would be the main access to the MEDL. This would eliminate the high volume of traffic created by your plan for the residence along Mt. Elden rd. Other campground 169g

Joe shannon 11/23/0213 Emailgate Schultz rd. on the west side of the proposed parking area so more people use the access point. Other gate Schultz rd. 169h


find alternate areas for the down-hilling crowd. It appears this plan has given over the entire MT. Elden trail system to the most destructive recreational activity without a motor. Although for 50% of the time they do need motors to get up to the top of their routes. please explain how you rationalize this in light of the non-motorized directive you listed in the project background. Very Inconsistent management planning. New Trail Construction against downhill trails 169i

Scott Heinsius Cosmic Cycles 11/15/2013 Email

I am generally in support of the project, but my main concern is an increased level of exploitation. Flagstaff and the peaks area, I feel, is n the cusp of major mainstream, and I feel like the development should be treated gently. It is great to promote these healthy activist and the local economy to greater public, but at what price? I am sure you have seen how Sedona has grown in the last couple years, it is almost circus-like to go down there on weekends. Many of the proposed project ideas are needed, but some seem a bit extreme to me such as clearing a five acre area on Elden for hang gliding, but I am not involved whatsoever in the hang gliding community, therefore I am somewhat in the dark as far as need for this. Other concern of exploiting MEDL area 170

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map new bike/hike trail construction using the blue dot trail cooridor New Trail Construction

Map 6: Proposed New Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail Improvement/Reclassification, and Realignment of Lower Oldham new trail idea 171


anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map add jedi to the trail system New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops keep jedi 172

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map add red onion to the trail system New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops keep red onion 173

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map optional route for sunset through the "hobbit forest" New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops

opptional route through hobbit forest 174

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map keep winene walk trail New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops keep social trail 175

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Mapnew brookbank trail should be in the same drainange and using "pickle" as a new trail route New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops brookbank reroute 176


anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map Keep lost burrito trail New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops Keep Lost Burrito Trail 177

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Mapstarting at schultz creek and rocky ridge intersection connecting to dry lake hills loop could adopt parts of lost burrito trail. New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops

add lost burrito to dry lake hills loop 178

anonymous 11/18/2013 Drawn on Map add miles to dry lake hills loop New Trail Construction

Map 3: Proposed Realignment of Brookbank & Upper Oldham and Proposed Dry Lake Hills Loops more miles to dry lake hills loop 179

Documents

Map Number (1- Commenter Organization Date Format Comment ... · The proposal to create Class 4 trail to the Loop Trail along the base of Mt Elden is outstanding. I propose leaving